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Related Concept Videos

Histone Modification02:32

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,...
Spreading of Chromatin Modifications02:25

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...
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
Epigenetic Regulation01:46

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions01:17

Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions

Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images
09:42

Immunostaining for DNA Modifications: Computational Analysis of Confocal Images

Published on: September 7, 2017

Methyl- and acetyltransferases are stable epigenetic markers postmortem.

Camelia Maria Monoranu1, Edna Grünblatt, Jasmin Bartl

  • 1Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.

Cell and Tissue Banking
|July 24, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Postmortem brain tissue is valuable for epigenetic studies, but postmortem interval and storage time can affect some molecules. However, key epigenetic enzyme activities remain stable, supporting their use in research.

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09:43

Purification of H3 and H4 Histone Proteins and the Quantification of Acetylated Histone Marks in Cells and Brain Tissue

Published on: November 30, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Epigenetics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Postmortem brain tissue is used to study epigenetic functionality.
  • Postmortem interval (PMI), storage time, and premortem factors can influence detected parameters.
  • Previous work showed tryptophan (TRP) levels are affected by PMI and storage time, suggesting protein degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between TRP levels and RNA, proteins, and DNA modulators.
  • To determine if postmortem variables influence epigenetic parameters.
  • To assess the stability of epigenetic enzyme activities in postmortem brain tissue.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of well-characterized postmortem human brain tissue from the BNEII consortium.
  • Measurement of TRP levels and correlation with RNA, proteins, and DNA modulators.
  • Assay of methyltransferase and acetyltransferase activities in relation to PMI and storage duration.

Main Results:

  • Confirmed that prolonged PMI affects certain protein levels.
  • Demonstrated that increased storage duration influences TRP levels, indicating potential protein degradation.
  • Found that methyltransferase and acetyltransferase activities are relatively preserved despite variations in PMI and storage duration.

Conclusions:

  • While some molecules degrade, methyltransferase and acetyltransferase activities show stability in postmortem brain tissue.
  • The preservation of these enzyme activities supports the utility of postmortem tissue for epigenetic research.
  • Further specific analysis for individual proteins of interest is recommended due to differential degradation patterns.