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Histone Modification

Histone Modification

The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...

Histone Modification

Histone Modification

The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...

Co-activators and Co-repressors

Co-activators and Co-repressors

Gene transcription is regulated by the synergistic action of several proteins that form a complex at a gene regulatory site. This is observed in eukaryotes, where the regulation of gene expression is a complex process. Regulatory proteins in eukaryotes can broadly be classified into two types – regulators that bind directly to specific DNA sequences and co-regulators that associate with regulatory proteins but cannot directly bind to the DNA. These co-regulators are further divided into...

Co-activators and Co-repressors

Co-activators and Co-repressors

Gene transcription is regulated by the synergistic action of several proteins that form a complex at a gene regulatory site. This is observed in eukaryotes, where the regulation of gene expression is a complex process. Regulatory proteins in eukaryotes can broadly be classified into two types – regulators that bind directly to specific DNA sequences and co-regulators that associate with regulatory proteins but cannot directly bind to the DNA. These co-regulators are further divided into...

Spreading of Chromatin Modifications

Spreading of Chromatin Modifications

The histone proteins in the nucleosomes are post-translationally modified (PTM) to increase or decrease access to DNA. The commonly observed PTMs are methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination of lysine amino acids in the histone H3 tail region. These histone modifications have specific meaning for the cell. Hence, they are called "histone code". The protein complex involved in histone modification is termed as "reader-writer" complex.
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors

Published on: August 6, 2020

Class IIa histone deacetylases: regulating the regulators.

M Martin¹, R Kettmann, F Dequiedt

¹Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit, FUSAGx, Gembloux, Belgium.

|August 19, 2007

Summary

Dynamic acetylation and deacetylation, regulated by histone deacetylases (HDACs), are key cellular processes. Class IIa HDACs are crucial transcriptional regulators, and understanding their regulation is vital for therapeutic applications.

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Assays for Validating Histone Acetyltransferase Inhibitors

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Published on: August 6, 2020

Repressing Gene Transcription by Redirecting Cellular Machinery with Chemical Epigenetic Modifiers

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Published on: September 20, 2018

An Acetyl-Click Chemistry Assay to Measure Histone Acetyltransferase 1 Acetylation

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Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Molecular Biology
Epigenetics

Background:

Dynamic acetylation and deacetylation of proteins play critical roles in cellular processes.
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that remove acetyl groups from lysine residues.
Mammalian HDACs are classified into three groups based on similarity to yeast counterparts.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent discoveries in the regulation of class IIa HDACs.
To discuss the molecular and structural factors influencing class IIa HDAC regulation.
To highlight the therapeutic potential of understanding class IIa HDAC functions.

Main Methods:

Literature review of experimental evidence.
Analysis of molecular and structural determinants.
Synthesis of current knowledge on class IIa HDAC regulation.

Main Results:

Class IIa HDACs are established as key transcriptional regulators in development and differentiation.
Significant research efforts in the past five years have focused on characterizing class IIa HDAC regulation.
The review summarizes latest findings on the regulation of these enzymes.

Conclusions:

Class IIa HDACs are crucial for transcriptional regulation in development and differentiation.
Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of class IIa HDACs is essential for developing potential therapeutic strategies.
Further research into the molecular and structural aspects of class IIa HDAC regulation is warranted.