Gene activation by histone and factor acetyltransferases.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Acetyltransferases are crucial enzymes involved in gene regulation.
• These enzymes function as components of large macromolecular assemblies.
• Evidence suggests their role in acetylating histones and transcription factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the emerging evidence on the function and regulation of acetyltransferases.
• To highlight the structural insights into the GNAT superfamily.
• To discuss the regulatory mechanisms of enzymatic acetyltransferase activity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and experimental evidence.
• Analysis of structural data for HATs and GNATs.
• Integration of findings on protein-protein interactions and phosphorylation.

Main Results:

• Acetyltransferases acetylate histones and transcription factors in vivo, leading to gene activation.
• HATs are part of large, conserved macromolecular complexes.
• Atomic resolution structures reveal conserved acetyl-CoA binding mechanisms in GNATs.
• Enzymatic activity is modulated by phosphorylation and protein interactions.

Conclusions:

• Acetyltransferases play a vital role in gene activation through acetylation.
• The structure and assembly of HATs suggest complex regulatory functions.
• Understanding HAT regulation is key to deciphering gene expression control.