histone crotonyltransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: crotonyl-CoA + histone = CoA + crotonyl-histone. [PMID:25818647]

Histone crotonyltransferase activity is a critical molecular function that involves the transfer of a crotonyl group (CH3CH=CHCO-) from a crotonyl donor molecule, typically acetyl-CoA, to a specific lysine residue on histone proteins. Histones are the primary structural proteins that organize DNA into nucleosomes, the basic unit of chromatin. Crotonylation, like acetylation, is a post-translational modification that alters the chemical structure of histones, influencing chromatin accessibility and gene expression.

The process of histone crotonylation involves the following key steps:

1. **Substrate Recognition:** The crotonyltransferase enzyme recognizes and binds to the histone substrate. This recognition typically involves specific amino acid sequences surrounding the lysine residue targeted for modification.
2. **Crotonyl Donor Binding:** The enzyme binds to the crotonyl donor molecule, typically acetyl-CoA. The crotonyl group is then transferred from the donor to the enzyme's active site.
3. **Catalysis:** The enzyme catalyzes the transfer of the crotonyl group from the enzyme to the lysine residue on the histone protein. This reaction involves the formation of a covalent bond between the crotonyl group and the lysine side chain.
4. **Product Release:** The enzyme releases the modified histone and the remaining donor molecule.

The functional consequences of histone crotonylation are multifaceted:

* **Chromatin Remodeling:** Crotonylation can alter chromatin structure by modifying histone-DNA interactions. It can increase chromatin accessibility, promoting gene expression, or decrease accessibility, repressing gene expression.
* **Transcription Regulation:** Crotonylation influences the recruitment of transcription factors and other regulatory proteins to specific genomic regions. It can activate or repress gene transcription depending on the location and context of the modification.
* **Cellular Processes:** Crotonylation plays a role in diverse cellular processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and development. It can modulate the activity of various proteins involved in these processes.

Understanding the molecular function of histone crotonyltransferase activity is crucial for comprehending the intricate mechanisms that regulate gene expression and cellular function. This research area continues to grow, revealing the diverse roles of crotonylation in various physiological and pathological contexts.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (25)