Growing evidence has begun to elucidate the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms in the modulation and maintenance of gene expression and behavior. Histone acetylation is one such epigenetic mechanism, which has been shown to profoundly alter gene expression and behaviors. In this review, we begin with an overview of the major epigenetic mechanisms including histones acetylation. We next focus on recent evidence about the influence of environmental stimuli on various motivated behaviors through histone acetylation and highlight how histone deacetylase inhibitors can correct some of the pathologies linked to motivated behaviors including substance abuse, feeding and social attachments. Particularly, we emphasize that the effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on motivated behaviors are time and context-dependent.

Gaining a full understanding of the mechanisms of action of natural products as therapeutic agents includes observing the effects of natural products on cellular morphology, because abnormal cellular morphology is an important aspect of cellular transformations that occur as part of disease states. In this study a set of natural products was examined in search of small molecules that influence the cylindrical morphology of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Imaging flow cytometry of large populations of S. pombe exposed to natural products captured cell images and revealed changes in mean length and aspect ratio of cells. Several natural products were found to alter S. pombe’s morphology relative to control, in terms of elongating cells, shrinking them, or making them more round. These results may facilitate future investigations into methods by which cells establish and maintain specific shapes.Graphical AbstractGaining a full understanding of the mechanisms of action of natural products as therapeutic agents includes observing the effects of natural products on cellular morphology, because abnormal cellular morphology is an important aspect of cellular transformations that occur as part of disease states. In this study a set of natural products was examined in search of small molecules that influence the cylindrical morphology of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Imaging flow cytometry of large populations of S. pombe exposed to natural products captured cell images and revealed changes in mean length and aspect ratio of cells. Several natural products were found to alter S. pombe’s morphology relative to control, in terms of elongating cells, shrinking them, or making them more round. These results may facilitate future investigations into methods by which cells establish and maintain specific shapes.