PCAF

PCAF (P300/CBP-associated factor) is a histone acetyltransferase enzyme that plays a crucial role in gene expression and cellular differentiation. It is encoded by the KAT2B gene in humans.

Function

PCAF is a member of the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily. It functions as a transcriptional coactivator by acetylating chromatin proteins, thereby regulating gene expression. PCAF is involved in several cellular processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, and DNA damage response.

Structure

The PCAF protein consists of several domains, including a bromodomain that recognizes acetylated lysine residues, a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain that catalyzes the transfer of acetyl groups to lysine residues, and a PCAF homology domain (PHD) that is involved in protein-protein interactions.

Role in Disease

Alterations in PCAF function have been implicated in various diseases. For example, PCAF has been found to be overexpressed in certain types of cancer, and its inhibition has been proposed as a potential therapeutic strategy. Additionally, PCAF plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, as it is involved in the acetylation and degradation of tau protein.

See Also

• Histone acetyltransferase
• Gene expression
• Cellular differentiation
• Apoptosis
• Cell cycle
• DNA damage
• Cancer
• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Alzheimer's disease