Histone acetyltransferases are crucial regulators in NF-kappa B mediated inflammation

Post-translational modifications of proteins, such as acetylation, are important regulatory events in eukaryotic cells. Reversible acetylations of histones and non-histone proteins regulate gene expression and protein activity. Acetylation levels of proteins are regulated by a dynamic equilibrium between acetylation by (histone) acetyltransferases and deacetylation by (histone) deacetylases. Alterations in this equilibrium can result in pathological states. Inflammation is a physiological response that, under certain conditions, turns into a disease. This review focuses on the crucial regulatory roles of protein acetylation in NF-kappa B-mediated inflammation and the potential applications of small-molecule inhibitors of acetylation for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.