Histone modifications are important epigenetic factors that play a catalytic role in shaping the chromatin structure and thus controlling the accessibility of DNA and subsequent nuclear processes such as gene transcription. Consequently, the deregulation of these changes was associated with various diseases such as cancer. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the functional processes of these epigenetic signals. In recent years, we have investigated the cell role of a previously unexplored modification, namely N-final acetylation of histones, which is catalysed by N-final acetyltransferase Naa40. We have shown that this tissue modification has a regulatory role during gene expression and cell growth. According to this, we have recently demonstrated that this modification is often deregulated in human tumours and is involved in carcinogenicity. However, the molecular processes that control the presence of this modification in chromatin and functionality through its identification by other factors remain unclear. Consequently, the main objective of this project is to decipher the mechanisms involved in deposition and recognition of the N-final acetylisation of histones. To achieve this goal we will use a combination of modern protein, biochemical, genomic and molecular techniques. The proposed programme will promote scientific excellence, provide significant new scientific knowledge that will contribute to understanding the functioning of other N-final protein modifications and, above all, identify new epigenetic factors that could serve as potential therapeutic goals.