“I think less common is when the court actually grants that type of modification.”

Skinner's team analyzed their cells for modifications to their epigenetics, which are molecular factors and processes that are independent of DNA sequence but determine how genes behave.

"Since this condition is highly linked to obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices, there are potential avenues for lifestyle modification and disease management."

After proteins are produced by transcription and translation, their activity may be adjusted by various chemical modifications.

With the help of Dr. David's lab, the researchers determined that these histone proteins have a unique set of modifications, hinting that EV-DNA has a specific signaling function.