Role of Histone Acetylation and Acetyltransferases in Gene Regulation

Abstract The compaction of DNA into chromatin poses a significant obstacle to DNA-templated events such as transcription, replication, and DNA repair. Importantly, chromatin structure is dynamically regulated, and one mechanism that facilitates this process is the posttranslational modification of histone proteins within nucleosomes. This is mediated by the action of chromatin-modifying activities, such as histone acetyltransferases. The acetyltransferases and deacetylases that regulate histone acetylation and chromatin function are arguably the most well-studied group of chromatin protein modifiers. Here, we provide an overview of this field and particularly draw insights from studies in yeast where many archetypal acetyltransferases and deacetylases have been found, along with their regulatory mechanisms. We provide an account of the families of histone acetyltransferases and their diverse roles in gene expression. We also give examples of diseases and environmental exposures that influence histone acetylation.