The Acetylation Hypothesis

The Acetylation Hypothesis suggests that the addition of acetyl groups to histone proteins influences how tightly DNA is packed in our cells. When acetyl groups are added—a process called acetylation—chromatin (DNA-protein complex) loosens, making genes more accessible for activation. Conversely, removing these groups—the deacetylation—causes chromatin to tighten, silencing gene activity. This dynamic regulation plays a critical role in processes like development, aging, and disease. Essentially, acetylation acts as an on/off switch for genes, helping control which genes are active at any given time in our cells.