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Histone Modification

Meaning

Histone Modification refers to the post-translational chemical alterations applied to the core histone proteins around which DNA is wrapped to form chromatin. These modifications, such as acetylation, methylation, or phosphorylation, dynamically regulate gene accessibility and thus control the rate of transcription for specific genes, including those coding for hormone receptors or steroidogenic enzymes. In the domain of endocrinology, these epigenetic marks dictate the long-term responsiveness of a cell to circulating hormonal signals. They represent a crucial layer of regulatory control beyond simple DNA sequence.