Histone H4K8hib modification promotes gene expression and regulates rice immunity

In animal cells, H4K8hib has been implicated in regulating covalently closed circular DNA transcription and hepatitis B virus replication. Furthermore, H4K8hib has been identified on histones in plants, such as Arabidopsis. However, its functional significance in plants and the enzymes responsible for removing H4K8hib remain elusive. In our study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of H4K8hib in rice and uncovered its critical roles in the plant immune response. Furthermore, we identified the enzymes responsible for removing H4K8hib in rice, providing new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of this histone modification in the plants.