Introducing histone modification in trypanosomes

Nuclear DNA is wrapped around histones. Vigorous research over the past decade has established a central role for histone post-translational modification in controlling the DNA–protein interactions that are required for successful growth and propagation. Recent work now provides a description of acetylated and methylated residues in the divergent trypanosome core histones. Future studies should provide insights into the genomic distribution of each modification and their roles in growth and pathogenesis.