Histones sequence homology

Histone deacetylases (HDACs, EC number 3.5.1) remove acetyl groups from A -acetyl lysines by hydrolysis, both on histones and non-histone proteins, hence are more generally referred to as lysine deacetylases (KDACs). HDACs are grouped into four classes based on sequence homology and mechanism (Table 5.2). The first two classes, sometimes referred to as classical HDACs, are zinc-dependent and their activity is inhibited by hydroxamic acids, e.g. trichostatin A (TSA). The third class, referred to as Sirtuins, are NAD -dependent proteins and are not inhibited by TSA. The fourth class is also zinc-dependent, but is considered an atypical category based on low sequence homology to classes I and II. Class I and IV HDACs are mainly found in the nucleus and are expressed in many cell types, while the expression of class II HDACs, which are able to shuttle in and out of the nucleus, is tissue specific. Sirtuin localisation depends on the particular isoform (cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus). 

The sirtuins (silent information regulator 2-related proteins class III HDACs) form a specific class of histone deacetylases. First, they do not share any sequence or structural homology with the other HDACs. Second, they do not require zinc for activity, but rather use the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD ) as cofactor. The reaction catalyzed by these enzymes is the conversion of histones acetylated at specific lysine residues into deacetylated histones, the other products of the reaction being nicotinamide and the metabolite 2 -0-acetyl-adenosine diphosphate ribose (OAADPR) [51, 52]. As HATs and other HDACs, sirtuins not only use acetylated histones as substrates but can also deacetylate other proteins. Intriguingly, some sirtuins do not display any deacetylase activity but act as ADP-ribosyl transferases. 

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