June 2000 | DAVID E. STERNER AND SHELLEY L. BERGER
Histone acetylation plays a crucial role in regulating eukaryotic transcription. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) modify histones and other transcription-related proteins by acetylating lysine residues, thereby influencing chromatin structure and gene expression. HATs are divided into several families, including the GNAT superfamily and the MYST family. The GNAT family includes Gcn5, PCAF, and other proteins, while the MYST family includes proteins such as Sas2, Sas3, Esa1, MOF, Tip60, MOZ, and MORF. These HATs are involved in various transcriptional processes, including transcriptional activation, silencing, and chromatin remodeling. HATs also acetylate non-histone proteins, such as transcription factors and chromatin proteins, which can influence gene expression. The HAT activity of these proteins is regulated by various factors, including deacetylases, which reverse the acetylation process. The structural and functional characteristics of HATs, including their domains and interactions with other proteins, have been extensively studied. These studies have provided insights into the mechanisms of acetylation and its role in transcriptional regulation. The HATs are essential for various cellular processes, including cell cycle control, differentiation, and apoptosis. Mutations in HATs can lead to various diseases, including cancer. Overall, HATs play a critical role in regulating gene expression by modifying chromatin structure and influencing the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors.Histone acetylation plays a crucial role in regulating eukaryotic transcription. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) modify histones and other transcription-related proteins by acetylating lysine residues, thereby influencing chromatin structure and gene expression. HATs are divided into several families, including the GNAT superfamily and the MYST family. The GNAT family includes Gcn5, PCAF, and other proteins, while the MYST family includes proteins such as Sas2, Sas3, Esa1, MOF, Tip60, MOZ, and MORF. These HATs are involved in various transcriptional processes, including transcriptional activation, silencing, and chromatin remodeling. HATs also acetylate non-histone proteins, such as transcription factors and chromatin proteins, which can influence gene expression. The HAT activity of these proteins is regulated by various factors, including deacetylases, which reverse the acetylation process. The structural and functional characteristics of HATs, including their domains and interactions with other proteins, have been extensively studied. These studies have provided insights into the mechanisms of acetylation and its role in transcriptional regulation. The HATs are essential for various cellular processes, including cell cycle control, differentiation, and apoptosis. Mutations in HATs can lead to various diseases, including cancer. Overall, HATs play a critical role in regulating gene expression by modifying chromatin structure and influencing the accessibility of DNA to transcription factors.