Histone deacetylases govern heterochromatin in every phase

Histone deacetylases govern heterochromatin in every phase. Yota Murakami, The EMBO Journal advance online publication 5 July 2013; doi:10.1038/emboj.2013.154; Published online: 5 July 2013

Deacetylation of histone tails has been shown to play a role during heterochromatin formation, but the precise mechanism of action has not been understood. Complementary results presented in two recent articles in The EMBO Journal (Alper et al, 2013; Buscaino et al, 2013) together reveal how histone deacetylases (HDACs) affect the various phases of heterochromatin formation: establishment, maintenance and spreading.