Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Purification of H3 and H4 Histone Proteins and the Quantification of Acetylated Histone Marks in Cells and Brain Tissue
Published on: November 30, 2018
Enhanced histone acetylation and transcription: a dynamic perspective
Alison L Clayton1, Catherine A Hazzalin, Louis C Mahadevan
1Nuclear Signalling Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, United Kingdom.
Histone acetylation, once thought stable, is now seen as dynamic. This rapid turnover at poised genes impacts gene activation efficiency, suggesting a broader dynamic model for gene transcription regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- Histone acetylation is traditionally linked to active gene transcription.
- Recent findings indicate rapid acetylation turnover at "poised" genes.
- This turnover influences transcriptional efficiency during gene induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic nature of histone modifications beyond "special cases."
- To determine if a dynamic perspective applies to the broader range of histone modifications involved in transcription.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on histone acetylation dynamics.
- Analysis of gene expression data related to histone modification turnover.
- Comparative analysis of "poised" versus actively transcribing genes.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports rapid turnover of histone acetylation at specific gene sets.
- This dynamic acetylation is crucial for efficient gene induction.
- The findings challenge the static view of histone modifications in transcription.
Conclusions:
- The traditional view of stable histone acetylation needs revision.
- A dynamic model of histone modification turnover may be a general principle in gene regulation.
- Further research is needed to explore the dynamic nature of other histone modifications.
Related Concept Videos
Histone Modification
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Histone Modification
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...
The Nucleosome Core Particle
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
The Nucleosome Core Particle
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...

