Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

A Facile Protocol to Generate Site-Specifically Acetylated Proteins in Escherichia Coli
Published on: December 9, 2017
Acetylation of non-histone proteins modulates cellular signalling at multiple levels
Stephanie Spange1, Tobias Wagner, Thorsten Heinzel
1Leibniz Institute for Age Research - Fritz Lipmann Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany. spange@fli-leibniz.de
Abstract:
This review focuses on the posttranslational acetylation of non-histone proteins, which determines vital regulatory processes. The recruitment of histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases to the transcriptional machinery is a key element in the dynamic regulation of genes controlling cellular proliferation and differentiation. A steadily growing number of identified acetylated non-histone proteins demonstrate that reversible lysine acetylation affects mRNA stability, and the localisation, interaction, degradation and function of proteins. Interestingly, most non-histone proteins targeted by acetylation are relevant for tumourigenesis, cancer cell proliferation and immune functions. Therefore inhibitors of histone deacetylases are considered as candidate drugs for cancer therapy. Histone deacetylase inhibitors alter histone acetylation and chromatin structure, which modulates gene expression, as well as promoting the acetylation of non-histone proteins. Here, we summarise the complex effects of dynamic alterations in the cellular acetylome on physiologically relevant pathways.
Insights
Posttranslational acetylation of non-histone proteins regulates gene expression, protein function, and cellular processes. This dynamic modification is crucial in cancer and immune responses, highlighting histone deacetylase inhibitors as potential cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Posttranslational acetylation of non-histone proteins is a vital regulatory mechanism.
- Histone acetyltransferases and deacetylases dynamically regulate genes controlling cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Reversible lysine acetylation impacts mRNA stability, protein localization, interaction, degradation, and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex effects of dynamic alterations in the cellular acetylome on physiologically relevant pathways.
- To highlight the role of non-histone protein acetylation in tumorigenesis, cancer cell proliferation, and immune functions.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on posttranslational acetylation of non-histone proteins.
- Analysis of identified acetylated non-histone proteins and their functions.
- Examination of the role of histone deacetylase inhibitors in modulating gene expression and protein acetylation.
Main Results:
- A growing number of non-histone proteins are identified as targets of acetylation.
- Acetylation significantly affects protein stability, localization, and function.
- Non-histone protein acetylation is implicated in cancer development and immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic alterations in the cellular acetylome play critical roles in various physiological pathways.
- Histone deacetylase inhibitors show promise as anti-cancer agents by modulating both histone and non-histone protein acetylation.
- Further research into the non-histone acetylome is essential for understanding disease mechanisms and developing novel therapies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
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,...
Phase II Reactions: Acetylation Reactions
The substrates for acetylation are typically drugs or their metabolites with an amino, sulfonamide, or hydrazine functional group. Acetylation can occur at several points in the drug molecule, including primary, secondary, and...
Spreading of Chromatin Modifications
Writers
The writer is an enzyme that can...
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...

