Figure 5

Schematics describing the possible modes of action of HATs. (a) Gene specificity model. This model can be proposed on the basis of the conclusions from biochemical and genetic studies. Each HAT complex is recruited by a particular DNA binding transcriptional activator to a defined set of genes, allowing their activation. Thus HATs seem to exert a high functional specificity. (b) Systematic co-occurrence model. This model arises from conclusions of genome-wide mapping studies. HATs would be corecruited to all the transcriptionally active loci, creating a hyperacetylated environment that would favor the activation of the corresponding genes. (c) Dynamic model. Model proposed to reconcile the observations of the genome-wide mapping of HATs with previous biochemical and genetic observations. HATs play a dual role in the gene activation process. In the first phase, a specific HAT recruited by a specific activator allows the initiation of the activation process. Later other HATs can bind the activated loci in a less-specific manner, thus maintaining a nonspecific hyperacetylated environment.