The replacement histone H2A.Z in a hyperacetylated form is a feature of active genes in the chicken

• DOI: 10.1093/nar/gki874
• Publication Date: 2005-10-12T03:04:22Z
• Authors: K. Bruce
• Keywords: Histone H4

The replacement histone H2A.Z is variously reported as being linked to gene expression and preventing the spread of heterochromatin in yeast, or concentrated at mammals. To resolve this apparent dichotomy, affinity-purified antibodies against N-terminal region H2A.Z, both a triacetylated non-acetylated state, are used native chromatin immmuno-precipitation experiments with mononucleosomes from three chicken cell types. hyperacetylated species concentrates 5′ end active genes, tissue specific housekeeping but absent inactive while unacetylated form genes. A concentration also found insulators under circumstances implying link barrier activity not enhancer blocking. Although acetylated widespread throughout interphase genome, mitosis its acetylation erased, unmodified remaining. Thus, although may operate an epigenetic marker for does not.