Histone Acetylation

Histone acetylases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs) are key regulators of gene expression and function. Transcription activation complexes contain HATs, which, by acetylating histone lysines, open chromatin structure to permit transcription. HDACs remove acetyl groups, leading to decreased gene expression. Millipore’s assay kits measure both acetylation and deacetylation activity, helping to elucidate the relationship between chromatin modification pathways and gene regulation.