Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors are compounds that specifically inhibit the activity of HAT enzymes. These enzymes play a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression by adding acetyl groups to the lysine residues on histone proteins. This acetylation process generally leads to a more relaxed chromatin structure, facilitating transcriptional activation. Inhibiting HATs can therefore impact gene expression, making HAT inhibitors valuable tools in both research and therapeutic contexts.
