Histone Deacetylases Function in the Control of Early Hematopoiesis and Erythropoiesis

Numerous studies have highlighted the role of post-translational modifications in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and death. Among these modifications, acetylation modifies the physicochemical properties of proteins and modulates their activity, stability, localization and affinity for partner proteins. Through the deacetylation of a wide variety of functional and structural, nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, histone deacetylases (HDACs) modulate important cellular processes, including hematopoiesis, during which different HDACs, by controlling gene expression or by regulating non-histone protein functions, act sequentially to provide a fine regulation of the differentiation process both in early hematopoietic stem cells and in more mature progenitors. Considering that HDAC inhibitors represent promising targets in cancer treatment, it is necessary to decipher the role of HDACs during hematopoiesis which could be impacted by these therapies. This review will highlight the main mechanisms by which HDACs control the hematopoietic stem cell fate, particularly in the erythroid lineage.

Automated summary

Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of post-translational modifications in regulating cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. Acetylation, a type of modification, alters the properties and activity of proteins and plays a role in their stability, localization, and interaction with other proteins. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are responsible for the deacetylation of many proteins, both functional and structural, in the nucleus and cytoplasm. They are involved in crucial cellular processes, including hematopoiesis, where they finely regulate the differentiation of stem cells and progenitors. Understanding the role of HDACs in hematopoiesis is important, particularly considering their potential as targets for cancer treatment.