Regulatory signal transduction pathways for class IIa histone deacetylases

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2010 Aug;10(4):454-60. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2010.04.004. Epub 2010 May 4.

Abstract

The class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs), HDAC4, 5, 7, and 9, have crucial roles in the development of the immune system and other organs, including brain, heart, and muscle. In addition to their catalytic domain, they are characterized by a large amino-terminal extension. The amino-terminal domain is subject to reversible phosphorylation, which controls their nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution. Unphosphorylated, class IIa HDACs remain in the nucleus, bound to chromatin, and repress transcription. Upon phosphorylation, they shuttle out of the nucleus, allowing derepression of their target genes. Thus, the nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation is associated with derepression of target genes. Recent studies identified the kinases and phosphatases that regulate the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of class IIa HDACs. Here we will summarize this rapidly evolving field with a particular focus on the immune system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Transport
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Repressor Proteins
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • HDAC4 protein, human
  • HDAC5 protein, human
  • HDAC7 protein, human
  • HDAC9 protein, human
  • Histone Deacetylases