HAT1 Human

HAT1 specifically acetylates histone H4 at lysines 5 and 12, and to a lesser extent, histone H2A at lysine 5 . This acetylation is essential for replication-dependent chromatin assembly, as it facilitates the incorporation of histones into chromatin and supports chromatin replication . The acetylation of histones by HAT1 is also linked to various biological processes, including cell cycle progression, glucose metabolism, and DNA damage repair .

Histone acetylation by HAT1 is crucial for the regulation of gene expression. Acetylation neutralizes the positive charge on lysine residues, reducing the affinity between histones and DNA, and making DNA more accessible to transcription factors . This process is associated with transcriptional activation and the formation of euchromatin, which is less densely packed and more transcriptionally active .

HAT1 is evolutionarily conserved across species, highlighting its fundamental role in chromatin biology . The enzyme’s ability to acetylate newly synthesized histones before their assembly into nucleosomes is a key aspect of its function . This acetylation is removed by histone deacetylases (HDACs) once the histones are incorporated into chromatin .

Mutations or dysregulation of HAT1 can have significant implications for human health. For example, alterations in histone acetylation patterns are associated with various diseases, including cancer . Understanding the function and regulation of HAT1 can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying these diseases and potentially lead to the development of therapeutic strategies.