Histone Modifications and Other Facets of Epigenetic Regulation in Trypanosomatids: Leaving Their Mark

Abstract

Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) modulate several eukaryotic cellular processes, including transcription, replication, and repair. Vast arrays of modifications have been identified in conventional eukaryotes over the last 20 to 25 years. While initial studies uncovered these primarily on histone tails, multiple modifications were subsequently found on the central globular domains as well. Histones are evolutionarily conserved across eukaryotes, and a large number of their PTMs and the functional relevance of these PTMs are largely conserved.