HDAC Activity Assay Kit (colorimetric)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Histone deacetylases commonly known as HDACs are enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histone proteins resulting in chromatin tightening and reduced gene transcription. These enzymes fall into several classes each with distinct structural features and typically have molecular masses ranging from 41 to 70 kDa. HDACs are expressed in various tissues including brain heart and muscle. HDAC activity is essential for the regulation of many cellular processes and can be measured using assays such as the HDAC activity assay or the colorimetric assay.

Biological function summary

HDACs play an important role in gene expression through the remodeling of chromatin structure. They are often part of multiprotein complexes with co-repressor proteins helping modulate the transcription of genes involved in cell cycle regulation and differentiation. This modulation impacts cellular activities such as proliferation and apoptosis making HDACs significant in normal cellular function and development. HDAC inhibitors serve as tools for research in studying HDAC functions and as potential therapeutic agents.

Pathways

HDACs influence the regulation of important cellular pathways like the cell cycle and apoptosis. They interact with other proteins such as histone deacetylase inhibitor proteins and transcription factors to regulate gene expression tightly. In the cell cycle pathway HDACs can repress the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors therefore promoting cell cycle progression. Their involvement in the apoptosis pathway is also important where they regulate pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic gene expression contributing to cellular homeostasis.

Associated diseases and disorders

HDACs have a significant connection to cancer and neurological disorders. Overexpression or dysregulation of HDACs can lead to tumorigenesis by affecting cell cycle checkpoints and apoptotic pathways. HDAC inhibitors have been investigated as potential cancer therapies targeting cellular proliferation and survival mechanisms. In neurological disorders HDACs are associated with neurodegenerative diseases due to their role in neuronal gene expression regulation. Proteins such as the tumor suppressor p53 in cancer and tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease have connections to HDAC function linking these enzymes to pathological processes.