Insights into the function of the new chromatin remodeling complex in plants

Histone acetylation is an evolutionarily conserved covalent modification associated with the activation of gene expression. Several histone acetyltransferase (HAT) families are present in plants, including the NuA4 (Nucleosome Acetyltransferase of H4) complex that mediates the acetylation of various types of histones. Although NuA4 has not been purified in plants, subunits of this protein complex are conserved in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana as well as in other plant species, and compelling evidence indicates that this HAT functions in plants. Moreover, functional characterization of several subunits of this chromatin remodelling complex has revealed the involvement of these proteins in the regulation of several developmental processes such as flowering time or gametophyte development, as well as in the control of cell proliferation and hormonal and stress responses. This paper of the Plant Developmental Phase Transitions group of the CBGP reviews the progress in understanding the mechanisms of action of this HAT complex, and suggests future research lines to unveil NuA4 function in the control of different plant developmental programs and environmental responses.