Nano-electrospray tandem mass spectrometric analysis of the acetylation state of histones H3 and H4 in stationary phase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
2011

Study of Histone Acetylation in Yeast

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ngubo Mzwanele, Kemp Gabré, Patterton Hugh G

Primary Institution: University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Hypothesis

The regulation of histone acetylation contributes to transcriptional shut-down and chromatin compaction during semi-quiescence in yeast.

Conclusion

Histone H3 and H4 acetylation levels are significantly reduced in stationary phase compared to exponential phase in yeast.

Supporting Evidence

  • Histone H4 was found to be acetylated in exponential phase but not in stationary phase.
  • The study confirmed acetylation levels using immuno-blotting.
  • The results suggest that acetylation is linked to transcriptional activity in yeast.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain proteins in yeast change when the yeast is not growing. It found that some important changes happen to the proteins that help control how genes are turned on or off.

Methodology

The study used nano-spray tandem mass spectrometry to analyze the acetylation state of histones H3 and H4 in yeast during different growth phases.

Limitations

The detection of acetylation was limited by the sensitivity of the mass spectrometer, potentially missing low levels of acetylation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2091-12-34

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication