The structure of KAT5 includes an acetyl CoAbinding 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.
Function
KAT5 enzyme is known for acetylating histones in the nucleosome, which alters binding with DNA. Acetylation neutralizes the positive charge on histones, decreasing binding affinity of negatively charged DNA. This in turn decreases steric hindrance of DNA and increases interaction of transcription factors and other proteins. Three key functions of KAT5 are its ability to regulate transcription, DNA repair, and apoptosis.
Transcription
s such as E2F proteins and c-Myc can regulate the expression of proteins, particularly those involved with the cell cycle. KAT5 acetylates histones on genes of these transcription factors, which promote their activity.
DNA repair
KAT5 is an important enzyme for repairing DNA and returning cellular function to normal through its regulation of ataxia telangiectasia mutant protein kinase. ATM protein kinase phosphorylates and therefore activates proteins involved in DNA repair. However, to be functional, ATM protein kinase must be acetylated by the KAT5 protein. Lack of KAT5 suppresses ATM protein kinase activity and reduces the ability of a cell to correct its DNA. KAT5 also works later in the DNA repair process, as it serves as a cofactor for TRRAP. TRRAP enhances DNA remodeling by binding to chromatin near broken double strandedDNA sequences. KAT5 aids this recognition.
Apoptosis
is well known for causing cell apoptosis after DNA damage. Acetylation of p53 by KAT5 induces this cell death. Therefore, lack of KAT5 allows cells with damaged DNA to avoid apoptosis and continue dividing.
Regulation
KAT5 catalytic activity is regulated by the phosphorylation of its histones during the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Phosphorylation of KAT5 serines 86 and 90 reduces its activity. Therefore, cancer cells with uncontrolled growth and improper G2/M checkpoints lack KAT5 regulation by cyclin dependent kinase phosphorylation.
Clinical relevance
KAT5 has many clinically significant implications that make it a useful target for diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. Most notably, KAT5 helps to regulate cancers, HIV, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Cancer
As mentioned above, KAT5 helps to repair DNA and upregualte tumor suppressors such as p53. Therefore, many cancers are marked by a reduction of KAT5 mRNA. KAT5 also is linked to metastasis and malignancy.
Studies have also shown that KAT5 augmented the ability of chemotherapy to stop tumor growth, demonstrating its potential for use in combination therapy. However, KAT5 isn’t always anti-cancer. It can enhance the activity of proteins for viruses that cause cancer such as human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1, which may result in leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, KAT5 reacts with human papillomavirus, the virus responsible for cervical cancer. Other proteins that KAT5 promotes may lead to cancer as well. For example, overexpressed E2F1, a transcriptional factor, is implicated in melanoma progression. More research needs to be performed to clearly elucidate the overall role KAT5 has in cancer.
HIV
KAT5 binds to HIV-1 Tat transactivator and helps to promote HIV replication.
