Structure and chemistry of the p300/CBP and Rtt109 histone acetyltransferases: Implications for histone acetyltransferase evolution and function

摘要

The recent structure and associated biochemical studies of the metazoan-specific p300/CBP and fungal-specific Rtt109 histone acetyltransferases (HATs) have provided new insights into the ancestrial relationship between HATs and their functions. These studies point to a common HAT ancester that has evolved around a common structural framework to form HATs with divergent catalytic and substrate binding properties. These studies also point to the importance of regulatory loops within HATs and autoacetylation in HAT function. Implications for furture studies are discussed.