Related Experiment Videos
DNA associated with hyperacetylated histone is preferentially digested by DNase I.
Nucleic Acids Research
|June 1, 1978
Summary
Butyrate treatment causes extensive histone hyperacetylation, making associated DNA more susceptible to DNase I digestion. This selective DNA digestion occurs regardless of whether histones are pre-existing or newly synthesized.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Chromatin Biology
Background:
- Histone acetylation is a key epigenetic modification regulating gene expression.
- Butyrate is a known inhibitor of histone deacetylases, leading to histone hyperacetylation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between histone hyperacetylation and DNA accessibility.
- To determine if hyperacetylated histones preferentially solubilize DNA upon enzymatic digestion.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of cells with sodium butyrate to induce histone hyperacetylation.
- Digestion of chromatin with DNase I.
- Analysis of DNA solubility and integrity.
Main Results:
- Butyrate treatment resulted in massive hyperacetylation of histones.
- DNA associated with hyperacetylated histones was preferentially solubilized by DNase I digestion.
- This effect was observed for both pre-existing and newly synthesized histones.
Conclusions:
- Histone hyperacetylation significantly enhances the accessibility and digestion of associated DNA.
- The modification status of histones, rather than their origin, dictates DNA's preferential digestion.