KAT5

Histone acetyltransferase KAT5 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the KAT5 gene. It is also commonly identified as TIP60.

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the MYST family of histone acetyl transferases (HATs) and was originally isolated as an HIV-1 TAT-interactive protein. HATs play important roles in regulating chromatin remodeling, transcription and other nuclear processes by acetylating histone and nonhistone proteins. This protein is a histone acetylase that has a role in DNA repair and apoptosis and is thought to play an important role in signal transduction. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants.

Structure

The structure of KAT5 includes an acetyl CoA binding domain and a zinc finger in the MYST domain, and a CHROMO domain. Excess acetyl CoA is necessary for acetylation of histones. The zinc finger domain has been shown to aid in the acetylation process as well. The CHROMO domain aids in KAT5 ability to bind chromatin, which is important for DNA repair.