Epigenetics Probes: Production of histone modifying enzymes and identification o

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Production of histone modifying enzymes and identification of chemical probes for epigenetic discovery Genomic function is the major factor in the most common diseases. Genomic function is regulated by the posttranslational methylation and acetylation state of histones. Histones are proteins found in cell nuclei that create nucleosomes into which DNA is structured. Enzymes that modify histones represent important potential drug targets for indications like cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Enzymes that catalyze these modifications include numerous histone methyltransferases and demethylases ( MT's and DMT's ). Additionally, proteins that recognize or read these histone modifications contain bromodomains, chromodomains, etc. and are also considered epigenetic factors. If medicine is to move beyond conventional drug targets that represent symptomatic treatment only, then validation of these epigenetic enzymes and factors as