HDAC8
HDAC8 (histone deacetylase 8, also known as RPD3, KDAC8, HDACL1, WTS and MRXS6) is a class I histone deacetylase that removes acetyl groups from lysine residues on core histones. By tagging chromatin for epigenetic repression, it contributes to transcriptional regulation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of HDAC8 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
HDAC8 catalyses the deacetylation of lysine residues on the N-terminal part of the core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. Histone deacetylation gives a tag for epigenetic repression and plays an important role in transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression and developmental events. Like other histone deacetylases, it acts through the formation of large multiprotein complexes, where it works with transcriptional co-repressors to repress transcription. Acetylation and deacetylation alter chromosome structure and affect transcription factor access to DNA.
Beyond histones, HDAC8 deacetylates the cohesin complex protein SMC3, which regulates the release of cohesin complexes from chromatin. It may also play a role in smooth muscle cell contractility. In addition to its protein deacetylase activity, it has protein-lysine deacylase activity and acts as a protein decrotonylase, mediating decrotonylation ((2E)-butenoyl) of histones. Researchers studying the HDAC8 protein therefore work on both chromatin regulation and cohesin biology.
The HDAC8 gene encodes a member of the histone deacetylase family, HD type 1 subfamily, grouped by HGNC with the class I histone deacetylases. The protein is found in the nucleus, on chromosomes and in the cytoplasm, and multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been reported. The gene has previously been called histone deacetylase-like 1 (HDACL1), and the symbols WTS and MRXS6 reflect its earlier association with Wilson-Turner X-linked mental retardation syndrome. Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous Hdac8 gene.
HDAC8 deacetylates core histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4, giving a tag for epigenetic repression of transcription.
HDAC8 deacetylates SMC3, regulating the release of cohesin complexes from chromatin.
Histone deacetylation by HDAC8 contributes to cell cycle progression and developmental events.
HDAC8 has protein-lysine deacylase activity and acts as a decrotonylase on histones, extending its role beyond deacetylation.
HDAC8 is a class I histone deacetylase that removes acetyl groups from lysine residues on histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4, marking chromatin for repression. It also deacetylates cohesin protein SMC3 and has decrotonylase activity on histones.
HDAC8 is also known as RPD3, KDAC8, HDACL1, WTS and MRXS6, and was previously named histone deacetylase-like 1. NCBI Gene reports multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
The symbols WTS and MRXS6 and the previous name Wilson-Turner X-linked mental retardation syndrome link the HDAC8 gene to that condition. Mouse and rat each have an orthologous Hdac8 gene, so the protein can be studied in common model species.
Other histone deacetylase family members, including the class I enzymes HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC3, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9BY41; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.