histone H4K8 acetyltransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: acetyl-CoA + histone H4 L-lysine (position 8) = CoA + histone H4 N6-acetyl-L-lysine (position 8). [EC:2.3.1.48]

Histone H4K8 acetyltransferase activity refers to the enzymatic process of transferring an acetyl group from acetyl-CoA to the lysine residue at position 8 (K8) of histone H4. This specific acetylation event plays a critical role in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression.

Histone H4 is a core histone protein, a fundamental component of nucleosomes. Nucleosomes are the basic units of chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins that packages and organizes the genome within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

The acetylation of histone H4 at lysine 8 (H4K8ac) has several important effects on chromatin structure and gene expression:

1. **Chromatin Remodeling:** Acetylation of histone H4K8 often leads to a more relaxed chromatin structure. Acetylation neutralizes the positive charge of the lysine residue, weakening the interaction between histone tails and negatively charged DNA. This relaxation can make DNA more accessible to transcription factors and other regulatory proteins.

2. **Gene Expression Regulation:** H4K8ac is typically associated with active gene transcription. The relaxed chromatin structure resulting from acetylation allows transcription machinery to bind to DNA and initiate gene expression.

3. **Regulation of DNA Replication:** H4K8ac has also been implicated in the regulation of DNA replication. It is thought to facilitate the recruitment of factors involved in DNA replication initiation and elongation.

4. **Interaction with Other Factors:** H4K8ac can also influence the binding of other regulatory proteins to chromatin. For example, certain proteins specifically recognize acetylated lysine residues and can play roles in gene regulation.

In summary, histone H4K8 acetyltransferase activity is a critical enzymatic process that regulates chromatin structure, gene expression, and DNA replication. The addition of an acetyl group to histone H4K8 contributes to a more relaxed chromatin conformation, facilitating the binding of transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, ultimately impacting gene expression.
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Proteins (5)

Compounds (18)