Polyamines modulate phosphorylation and acetylation of non-histone chromosomal proteins of the cerebral cortex of rats of various ages.

In vitro phosphorylation and acetylation of NHC (non-histone chromosomal) proteins and their modulation by spermine and spermidine were studied using slices of cerebral cortex of female albino rats of various ages. The total DNA, histone and NHC proteins do not change significantly with age. Phosphorylation and acetylation of total and individual NHC proteins decreases with increasing age of the rat. Spermine and spermidine stimulate phosphorylation and acetylation of specific NHC proteins in immature rats. This effect decreases with increasing age. It is suggested that such modulatory effects of polyamines may cause alterations in the expression of specific genes during aging.