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Related Concept Videos

Histone Modification02:32

Histone Modification

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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...
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Spreading of Chromatin Modifications02:25

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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.
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The writer...
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Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory01:23

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Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
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Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists01:30

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Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function.
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Inheritance of Chromatin Structures03:17

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

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Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 19, 2026

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

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Histone deacetylases in memory and cognition.

Jay Penney1, Li-Huei Tsai2

  • 1Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.

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|December 11, 2014
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Summary

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate brain function and cognition. HDAC inhibitors show promise for treating cognitive decline and neurological disorders, particularly focusing on HDAC2

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Lysine acetylation of histone and nonhistone proteins is a key regulator of gene expression impacting cell biology.
  • Neuronal growth, plasticity, and higher brain functions are modulated by histone acetylation and deacetylation.
  • Dysregulation of lysine acetyltransferases (KATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) is linked to neurological dysfunction and neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of HDACs in cognitive function and neurological disorders.
  • To highlight the central role of HDAC2 in synaptic plasticity and its mediation of HDAC inhibition effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on HDACs, lysine acetylation, and their roles in the brain.
  • Focus on evidence linking HDACs to cognitive function, neurological diseases, and therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Lysine acetylation generally enhances cognitive performance, while deacetylation by HDACs negatively regulates cognition.
  • HDAC inhibitors demonstrate therapeutic potential for cognitive decline, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, depression, and PTSD.
  • HDAC2 is identified as a key player in linking lysine acetylation to synaptic plasticity and mediating therapeutic effects.

Conclusions:

  • HDACs are critical regulators of cognitive function and synaptic plasticity.
  • Targeting HDACs, particularly HDAC2, offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
  • Further research into HDAC modulation could lead to novel treatments for cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration.