GCN5 regulates the activation of PI3K/Akt survival pathway in B cells exposed to oxidative stress via controlling gene expressions of Syk and Btk

► The GCN5-deficiency remarkably causes apoptosis by H2O2 in chicken DT40 cells. ► Gene expressions of Syk and Btk are remarkably decreased in GCN5-deficient cells. ► H2O2-induced Akt phosphorylation is remarkably suppressed in GCN5-deficient cells. ► GCN5 binds to the proximal 5′-upstream regions of Syk and Btk genes in vivo. ► GCN5 plays a key role in epigenetic regulation of PI3K/Akt survival pathway.