trimethylhistidine

Trimethylhistidine is a derivative of the amino acid histidine, characterized by the addition of three methyl groups to its imidazole ring. This modification occurs post-translationally through the action of the enzyme protein arginine N-methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1). Trimethylhistidine is found in various proteins, including histones, and plays a crucial role in gene regulation and chromatin structure. Its presence is often associated with active gene transcription, as it can facilitate the binding of transcription factors and other regulatory proteins to DNA. The addition of trimethylhistidine to histones is a reversible process, allowing for dynamic changes in chromatin structure in response to cellular signals. The precise mechanisms by which trimethylhistidine influences gene expression are still an active area of research.