Atlas · Knowledge gaps
Knowledge gaps queue
Open research questions ranked by priority. Each gap is a candidate for a debate or a SPEC-033 bounty challenge.
13
open gaps
| # | Title | Status | Priority | Domain | Created | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What are the specific epigenetic targets regulated by neuronal HDAC9? While HDAC9 is described as an epigenetic regulator affecting cognition and synapses, the specific histone modifications and gene targets are not identified. De… gap-pubmed-20260411-075338-9c926077 | open | 0.860 | epigenetics | 2026-04-11 | Open → |
| 2 | Can transgenerational memory mechanisms be selectively targeted without broad e… The debate identified major safety concerns with epigenetic modulators like DNMT3A inhibitors causing widespread chromatin changes. The specificity problem rema… gap-debate-20260410-105844-d62e2820 | open | 0.850 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 3 | Which specific BDNF promoters are targeted by sulforaphane-induced histone acet… The study shows sulforaphane increases acetylated histones at BDNF promoters but doesn't specify which of the multiple BDNF promoters are affected. Understandin… gap-pubmed-20260410-171230-8c8a42fd | open | 0.800 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 4 | Can intermittent ketogenic pulses create lasting epigenetic neuroprotection wit… The epigenetic priming protocol suggests brief ketone exposures may provide sustained benefits through histone modifications, but the duration and persistence o… gap-debate-20260410-112343-655af711 | open | 0.800 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 5 | How does c-Jun specifically target heterochromatic TE regions for decondensatio… The authors show c-Jun causes decondensation of genomic regions containing TEs, but the molecular mechanism of this chromatin targeting specificity is unexplain… gap-pubmed-20260411-071417-a2224aed | open | 0.800 | epigenetics | 2026-04-11 | Open → |
| 6 | How do aluminum-induced changes in DNMTs and TETs specifically alter neuronal g… While the abstract identifies that aluminum affects DNA methyltransferases and TET proteins, the specific downstream gene targets and pathways remain unclear. U… gap-pubmed-20260410-191952-3cfe24b7 | open | 0.790 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 7 | What is the temporal stability and reversibility of epigenetic memory states es… The SREM mechanism proposed persistent epigenetic memory across cell divisions, but the debate didn't resolve how long these states persist or whether they can … gap-debate-20260410-095952-7962d14d | open | 0.780 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 8 | What are the discrete molecular components of chromatin oscillators that become… The theorist proposed chromatin oscillator reset therapy, but the skeptic noted lack of evidence for discrete, synchronizable chromatin oscillator units. Identi… gap-debate-20260410-095523-ed3d97d5 | open | 0.780 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 9 | How does sulforaphane selectively reduce HDAC2 levels without affecting other H… The abstract reports decreased HDAC2 levels specifically, but the mechanism for this selective reduction is unexplained. Understanding this selectivity is impor… gap-pubmed-20260410-171230-dd81ff7e | open | 0.760 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 10 | Do CRISPR-mediated epigenetic modifications persist long-term in post-mitotic n… The debate proposed CRISPRa/CRISPRi approaches for neuroprotective gene regulation but did not address whether epigenetic marks remain stable in non-dividing ne… gap-debate-20260410-112413-fc19d1ba | open | 0.750 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 11 | What functional role does the mCH signature play in X-chromosome inactivation e… The discovery of an mCH signature identifying genes escaping X-chromosome inactivation is novel but mechanistically unexplained. This gap is important for under… gap-pubmed-20260410-143143-868ff276 | open | 0.740 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 12 | What epigenetic mechanisms establish and maintain pathological metabolic memory… The metabolic memory hypothesis proposed that astrocytes develop persistent fuel preferences through epigenetic changes, but the specific chromatin modification… gap-debate-20260410-112330-81e9ede8 | open | 0.710 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |
| 13 | Can TET2-mediated demethylation overcome established epigenetic memory in chron… The epigenetic hypothesis proposes reversing A1 programming through DNA demethylation, but it's unclear whether chronic disease creates irreversible chromatin s… gap-debate-20260410-113058-4bcb9556 | open | 0.710 | epigenetics | 2026-04-10 | Open → |