Histone Acetylation

Histone acetylation is a process by which enzymes called histone acetyltransferases (HATs) modify histone proteins associated with DNA strands in the nucleus of cells. Acetylation increases the positive charge of the histones, which loosens the structure of the chromatin (DNA and its associated proteins) and allows the DNA to be more ‘accessible’, enabling transcription. This process is important for gene expression, which affects the functions of almost all cell types. Histone acetylation may also be involved in the regulation of other cellular processes, such as DNA repair or cell cycle progression. Aberrant histone acetylation has been associated with the initiation and progression of several types of cancer. Therefore, histone acetylation is a potentially important target for drug development and potential therapies.