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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,...

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...

Epigenetic Regulation

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 Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Quantification of Global Histone Post Translational Modifications Using Intranuclear Flow Cytometry in Isolated Mouse Brain Microglia

Quantification of Global Histone Post Translational Modifications Using Intranuclear Flow Cytometry in Isolated Mouse Brain Microglia

Published on: September 15, 2023

Epigenetic changes in the brain: measuring global histone modifications.

Gavin Rumbaugh¹, Courtney A Miller

¹Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|October 23, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Epigenetic modifications, like DNA methylation, impact brain function and neurodegenerative diseases. This study offers a protocol to measure histone modifications in brain tissue using Western blot analysis.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Epigenetics
Molecular Biology

Background:

Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone acetylation/phosphorylation, are crucial for gene expression.
These modifications play significant roles in neural processes like learning and memory.
Emerging evidence links epigenetic alterations to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a detailed protocol for measuring histone posttranslational modifications in neural tissue.
To enable researchers to investigate the role of specific histone modifications in various neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

Histone protein isolation from tissue samples.
Western blot analysis utilizing antibodies specific to histone modifications.
Quantification of histone posttranslational modifications.

Main Results:

The protocol allows for the identification and quantification of specific histone modifications.
Western blot analysis effectively reveals the type, location, and degree of histone modifications.
The method is presented as a relatively simple technique for experimental manipulation assessment.

Conclusions:

This protocol facilitates the study of epigenetic mechanisms in neuroscience.
It provides a valuable tool for investigating the contribution of histone modifications to normal brain function and disease.
The described Western blot method aids in understanding the impact of experimental manipulations on epigenetic landscapes.