HDACcontaining

HDACcontaining is a term used to describe proteins, protein complexes, or molecular assemblies that include histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from lysine residues on histone tails and some non-histone proteins, leading to chromatin condensation and transcriptional repression. In eukaryotes, HDACs form part of larger multiprotein complexes that guide locus-specific gene silencing and chromatin remodeling. Prominent HDAC-containing complexes include the Sin3 complex (containing HDAC1/2 with Sin3 proteins), the NuRD complex (HDAC1/2 with chromatin remodeling components such as CHD4 and MTA proteins), the CoREST complex (HDAC1/2 with CoREST and REST), and the HDAC3-containing SMRT/NCoR complex. Additional HDAC-containing assemblies are described in various species and tissues, often integrating deacetylation with other chromatin-modifying activities.

These complexes recruit HDAC activity to specific genomic loci, translating transcriptional programs during development, differentiation, and response to signaling. They can coordinate with other processes such as nucleosome remodeling, DNA methylation, and transcription factor networks.

Dysregulation of HDAC-containing complexes is associated with cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, and developmental abnormalities. Because HDAC activity within these complexes influences broad gene expression, inhibitors targeting HDACs have been developed as anticancer therapies.