Custom Histone & Nucleosome PTM Service

Inquiry

Precisely engineered histone modifications are the key to unlocking the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. CD BioSciences provides a comprehensive histone & nucleosome PTM service, delivering chemically defined and functionally validated substrates to empower high-confidence discovery in chromatin biology. Our integrated platform enables the exact installation of single or combinatorial PTMs, providing the essential tools to dissect their specific roles in health and disease.

Introduction to Histone & Nucleosome PTM

Histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) represent a central language in eukaryotic epigenetics. By adding or removing chemical groups, such as methyl, acetyl, or phosphate, to specific residues on histone tails and cores, cells dynamically regulate chromatin architecture and gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These PTMs function as precise docking sites for reader proteins, initiate cascades of downstream events, and are crucial for processes ranging from development to disease. To mechanistically decode this complex chemical code, researchers require access to nucleosome substrates with precisely defined PTMs—homogeneous tools where the type, location, and combination of modifications are completely controlled, forming the essential foundation for rigorous biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies.

Post-translational modifications (PTM) at the N-terminus of histones.

Fig.1 Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of the histone amino terminus. (Duan X, et al., 2024)

Our Services

CD BioSciences provides a dedicated custom histone & nucleosome PTM service to address this critical research need. Our platform enables the preparation of homogenous, structurally intact nucleosomes with user-specified, site-specific post-translational modifications. We offer precise installation of single or combinatorial PTMs, including methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, to generate the well-defined substrates required for unambiguous mechanistic discovery in chromatin biology.

One-stop Solution for Histone & Nucleosome PTM

Our service is powered by an advanced chemi-biological semi-synthesis platform. This integrated approach seamlessly combines the precision of solid-phase peptide synthesis with the scalability of recombinant protein expression. These components are then assembled through highly specific ligation techniques. This platform provides absolute control over the chemical identity and location of every modification, ensuring the production of homogenous, functionally validated histone and nucleosome substrates with atomic-level precision. The following are the achievable PTM types:

PTM Type	Examples	Key Features & Technical Capabilities
Methylation	Lysine Methylation: Mono-, Di-, Tri-Methylation (e.g., H3K4me1/me2/me3, H3K27me3, H3K79me2) Arginine Methylation: Mono- & Symmetric/Asymmetric Di-Methylation (e.g., H3R2me2a, H4R3me2s)	Precise control over methylation state and degree (me1, me2, me3). Site-specific installation on both lysine and arginine residues. Production of homogeneous, defined products for functional studies.
Acetylation	Single-site Acetylation: such as H3K9ac, H3K14ac, H4K16ac Multi-site Acetylation: such as H4 tetra-acetylation at K5, K8, K12, K16	Introduction of acetyl groups to specific lysine residues with high efficiency. Capability for multiple, defined acetylation on a single histone or nucleosome. Mimics the "open chromatin" state for interaction and activity assays.
Phosphorylation	Serine/Threonine Phosphorylation: such as H3S10ph, H3S28ph, H2BS14ph Tyrosine Phosphorylation: such as H2BY57ph	Installation of phosphate groups on Ser, Thr, or Tyr residues. Enables study of kinase/phosphatase signaling pathways in chromatin. Provides substrates for investigating crosstalk between phosphorylation and other PTMs.
Ubiquitination	Mono-Ubiquitination: such as H2AK119ub, H2BK120ub Designer Ubiquitin Variants	Synthesis of isopeptide-linked mono-ubiquitinated histones via chemical or enzymatic methods. Can incorporate ubiquitin mutants or tags for specific studies. Essential for research on chromatin regulation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
Acylations & Other PTMs	Crotonylation: such as H3K9cr Lactylation: such as H3K18la Succinylation/Glutarylation	Incorporation of diverse acyl-CoA-derived modifications beyond acetylation. Supports emerging research into metabolic regulation of epigenetics.
Combined PTMs	"Bivalent" or Complex Patterns: e.g., H3K4me3 & H3K27ac (active marks) e.g., H3K9me3 & H3S10ph (transient silencing) Cross-tail or intra-tail combinations	Precise combinatorial installation of multiple, distinct PTMs on a single nucleosome. Enables decoding of PTM crosstalk and synergistic/antagonistic effects. Uniquely defined patterns on one or both copies of a histone within the octamer.

Workflow of Histone & Nucleosome PTM Service

Consultation & Project Design

We begin with a detailed discussion of your research objectives to define the specific PTM types, sites, combinations, and nucleosome DNA sequence required.

Synthesis of Modified Histone Segments

Using our chemi-biological platform, we precisely synthesize histone peptides or protein fragments containing the desired PTMs at the specified locations.

Ligation & Full-Length Histone Assembly

The modified segments are ligated to recombinant protein fragments through highly specific chemical or enzymatic methods to assemble the full-length, homogeneously modified histone.

Nucleosome Reconstitution & Purification

The PTM-defined histones are assembled with your selected DNA into nucleosomes. The product undergoes rigorous multi-step purification and quality control (e.g., native PAGE, mass spectrometry).

Functional Validation (Optional)

We can perform basic functional assays, such as testing interactions with known reader proteins or enzymatic activity, to confirm the biological integrity of the modified nucleosomes.

Delivery & Comprehensive Reporting

We deliver the final, high-purity product along with a detailed technical report that includes all protocols, quality control data, and storage recommendations.

Diverse Application Scenarios

Biochemical and kinetic studies of epigenetic "Writer/Reader/Eraser" enzymes.
Activity analysis of chromatin remodeling complexes on nucleosomes with specific PTMs.
Structure-based drug discovery: Providing standard substrates for drug screening targeting PTM-recognition domains.
Sample preparation for high-resolution structural studies (e.g., cryo-electron microscopy).

Our Advantages

Absolute Precision: Ensures 100% defined chemical identity, location, and combination of PTMs for unambiguous interpretation.
Exceptional Homogeneity: Guarantees batch-to-batch consistency and single-modification-state samples for reliable, reproducible results.
High Customizability: Supports a wide range of needs, from simple single modifications to complex, multi-PTM combinatorial patterns.
Functional Guarantee: Validates all products through rigorous quality control to ensure performance in high-end functional assays.
Expert Collaboration: Provides end-to-end scientific partnership, from initial design to data interpretation support.

Mastering the epigenetic code requires tools of the highest fidelity. At CD BioSciences, our custom histone & nucleosome PTM service is dedicated to providing these essential, precision-defined substrates. By combining cutting-edge technology with deep scientific expertise, we empower researchers to move from observation to mechanism, accelerating discovery in chromatin biology and therapeutic development. Partner with us to build the definitive foundation for your next breakthrough.

Reference

1. Duan X, Xing Z, Qiao L, et al. The role of histone post-translational modifications in cancer and cancer immunity: functions, mechanisms and therapeutic implications[J]. Frontiers in Immunology, 2024, 15: 1495221.