H4K16ac

H4K16ac refers to the addition of an acetyl group to the 16th amino acid (lysine) of histone protein H4, a component of DNA packaging in cells. This chemical modification affects how tightly DNA is wound around histones. When H4K16 is acetylated (H4K16ac), it reduces the interaction between DNA and histones, making genes more accessible for activation. This modification plays a key role in regulating gene expression, DNA repair, and maintaining genome stability. It is also linked to aging and disease processes, including cancer.