A method for genetically installing site-specific acetylation in recombinant histones defines the effects of H3 K56 acetylation.

ABSTRACT: Lysine acetylation of histones defines the epigenetic status of human embryonic stem cells and orchestrates DNA replication, chromosome condensation, transcription, telomeric silencing, and DNA repair. A detailed mechanistic explanation of these phenomena is impeded by the limited availability of homogeneously acetylated histones. We report a general method for the production of homogeneously and site-specifically acetylated recombinant histones by genetically encoding acetyl-lysine. We reconstitute histone octamers, nucleosomes, and nucleosomal arrays bearing defined acetylated lysine residues. With these designer nucleosomes, we demonstrate that, in contrast to the prevailing dogma, acetylation of H3 K56 does not directly affect the compaction of chromatin and has modest effects on remod

SUBMITTER: Neumann H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2856916 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature