Remodelling of chromatin affects important DNA processes such as replication, transcription, recombination, repair etc. Recent studies have shown the role of histone modifying enzyme in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) degradation upon exposure to UV. Also, H2AX phosphorylation is an established marker for DNA damage and it is essential for the recruitment of DNA repair enzymes. In case of Leishmnaia donovani, it is more important because the parasite lives inside the host macrophage

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... der very oxidative enviroment.Hence it is prone to lot of DNA damage and depend upon various survival strategies. Methods & Materials: In the present study, the acetylation of leishmanial cells was modulated by treating the cells with HAT activator or HAT inhibitor. Treated cells were subjected to UV irradiation and cell survival was measured and compared with that of untreated cells. Results: The HAT treated cells showed higher sensitivity towards UV rays in compare to its untreated counterpart. Our experimental observation indicates histone modifications may play an important role in the regulation of DNA repair pathway in Leishmania donovani. Conclusion: This indicates role of Histone modification in the recruitment of DNA repair enzymes in L. donovani after DNA damage. Also, the chromatin compactness can be directly correlated with the damage induced by UV as HAT opens the chromatin structure making it more susceptible.