Histone Deacetylation

**Semantic type:** Physiologic Function

**Definition:** Histone Deacetylation is the covalent post-translational enzymatic removal of acetyl group(s) from a histone protein. By exposing cationic sites on the protein that promote ionic interaction with the negatively charged DNA backbone, Histone Deacetylation induces DNA condensation and regulates genetic functions, such as transcription. (NCI)