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10:01
In vitro Methylation Assay to Study Protein Arginine Methylation
Published on: October 5, 2014
Histone arginine methylation
Alessandra Di Lorenzo1, Mark T Bedford
1The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park-Research Division, Smithville, TX 78957, United States.
FEBS Letters
|November 16, 2010
Summary
Arginine methylation, a key protein modification, regulates chromatin function by altering histone tails. This process influences gene transcription by controlling the binding of effector molecules, contributing to the histone code.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Arginine methylation is a prevalent posttranslational modification (PTM) found on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins.
- This PTM is particularly enriched in proteins that shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Histone tail modifications are crucial for regulating chromatin structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of arginine methylation on core histone tails in regulating chromatin function.
- To highlight the significance of this PTM in the context of the histone code.
- To discuss the enzymes responsible for catalyzing arginine methylation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on arginine methylation and histone modifications.
- Analysis of the impact of histone arginine methylation on protein interactions.
- Examination of the role of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) in histone methylation.
Main Results:
- Arginine methylation of histone tails can either facilitate or inhibit the recruitment of transcriptional effector molecules.
- A family of nine PRMTs catalyzes these methylation reactions, with some specifically targeting histones.
- Histone arginine methylation is a critical component in the "histone code" that dictates gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Arginine methylation of histone tails is a pivotal regulatory mechanism in chromatin.
- This PTM directly influences gene transcription by modulating the accessibility of regulatory proteins.
- Understanding histone arginine methylation is essential for deciphering epigenetic regulation and the histone code.
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