MOF-Mediated Histone H4 Lysine 16 Acetylation Governs Mitochondrial and Ciliary Functions by Controlling Gene Promoters

The study investigates the role of MOF-mediated histone H4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16ac) in cellular functions and mammalian tissue development. Conditional deletion of Mof in the skin leads to severe defects in basal epithelial progenitor self-renewal, epidermal differentiation, and hair follicle growth, causing barrier defects and perinatal lethality. MOF-regulated genes are crucial for mitochondrial and ciliary functions. Deleting Uqcrq, a key subunit of the electron transport chain Complex III, in the skin mimics the defects seen in MOF knockout mice. This research highlights the importance of the MOF/ETC axis in regulating mitochondrial and ciliary gene expression for proper skin development.