Acetylation

"Acetylation" of chromatin modifying enzymes refers to the addition of an acetyl group to specific amino acid residues, primarily lysine, within histone proteins that constitute chromatin. This chemical modification is a vital mechanism in epigenetics that influences gene expression. Histone acetylation is generally associated with relaxed chromatin structure, making DNA more accessible and facilitating gene transcription. The addition of acetyl groups is catalyzed by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzymes, while their removal is carried out by histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes. Acetylation marks on histones play a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes and are crucial for proper gene regulation.