Histones, nuclear proteins that interact with DNA to form nucleosomes, are
essential for both the regulation of transcription and the packaging of DNA
within chromosomes. The N-terminal domain of histone H4 which contains fou
r acetylation sites at lysines, may play a separate role in chromatin struc
ture from the remainder of the H4 chain. NMR data suggest that H4(NTP) pept
ide does have relating disordered structure at physiological pH, however, i
t has a defined structure at lower pH conditions. The solution structure ca
lculated from NMR data shows a well structured region comprising residues o
f Val21-Asp24. In addition. our results suggest that the H4(NTP) prefers an
extended backbone conformation at acetylation sites, however, it (especial
ly Lys(12)) became more defined structures after acetylation for its optimu
m function.