Nuclear position and local acetyl-CoA production regulate chromatin state
Willnow, P., Teleman, A.A. Nuclear position and local acetyl-CoA production regulate chromatin state. Nature (2024).
Credits for Summary: Khyati Shukla Aakash Khurana
This study delved into the intricate regulation of histone acetylation within Drosophila wing discs, aiming to unravel the influence of metabolic pathways on these epigenetic modifications. Through a series of experiments involving inhibitors and knockdown strategies, the researchers meticulously examined the impact of various metabolic processes on histone acetylation levels, with a particular focus on the role of fatty acid β-oxidation (FABO). By dissecting the metabolic pathways that intersect with histone acetylation, the study sought to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that govern chromatin modifications in the context of tissue development.
The study's findings unveiled a significant link between fatty acid β-oxidation and histone acetylation dynamics in the Drosophila wing disc. Specifically, the inhibition of FABO using etomoxir resulted in a notable decrease in H3K18ac levels within the wing disc tissue. In contrast, perturbations in other metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and glutaminolysis, did not exhibit a substantial impact on histone acetylation. This observation underscores the pivotal role of fatty acid β-oxidation in modulating histone acetylation patterns, highlighting the intricate crosstalk between metabolic processes and epigenetic regulation in developmental contexts.
Overall, the study sheds light on the intricate interplay between metabolic pathways and epigenetic modifications, offering valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that underpin tissue development and homeostasis in Drosophila. By unraveling the regulatory mechanisms that govern histone acetylation, particularly in the context of fatty acid β-oxidation, the research provides a deeper understanding of how metabolic cues influence chromatin dynamics and gene expression during tissue development. These findings expand our knowledge of epigenetic regulation and underscore the significance of metabolic pathways in shaping the epigenome and orchestrating developmental processes in model organisms like Drosophila.