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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,...

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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Automated Sample Preparation for the Multiplexed Analysis of Single-Cell Histone Post-Translational Modifications (sc-hPTM2)

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Tracking epigenetic histone modifications in single cells using Fab-based live endogenous modification labeling.

Yoko Hayashi-Takanaka¹, Kazuo Yamagata, Teruhiko Wakayama

¹Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan.

Nucleic Acids Research

|May 18, 2011

Summary

Scientists developed a new method using fluorescently labeled fragments (Fabs) to track histone modifications in living cells. This technique, FabLEM, reveals how epigenetic gene regulation changes dynamically and is crucial for embryo development.

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Area of Science:

Epigenetics and Molecular Biology
Cellular and Developmental Biology

Background:

Histone modifications are crucial for gene regulation and genome stability.
Dynamic changes in histone modifications within individual cells are poorly understood.
Existing methods often disturb cellular processes or lack specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a general method for monitoring endogenous histone H3 lysine modifications in living cells.
To visualize the distribution and global levels of histone modifications without impacting cell growth or embryo development.
To investigate the role of specific histone modifications in early embryonic development.

Main Methods:

Utilized fluorescently labeled specific antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) for live-cell imaging.
Developed Fab-based live endogenous modification labeling (FabLEM) technique.
Applied high-affinity Fabs to monitor H3K9 and H3K27 acetylation in mouse preimplantation embryos (IVF and SCNT).

Main Results:

FabLEM allows visualization of histone modification distribution, showing distinct nuclear patterns (e.g., H3K27 trimethylation on inactive X chromosomes).
Transient Fab binding enables quantitative measurement of global modification levels based on target concentration.
High H3K27 acetylation levels appear essential for normal mouse preimplantation embryo development.

Conclusions:

FabLEM is a versatile tool for dynamically monitoring endogenous histone modifications in living cells.
The method provides insights into epigenetic gene regulation and genome integrity.
FabLEM has potential applications in studying cell signaling and diagnostics.