Transcriptional and epigenetic functions of histone variant H2A.Z.
The chromatin organization of a genome ultimately dictates the gene expression profile of the cell. It is now well recognized that key mechanisms that regulate chromatin structure include post-translational modifications of histones and the incorporation of histone variants at strategic sites within the genome. H2A.Z is a variant of H2A that is localized to the 5' end of many genes and is required for proper regulation of gene expression. However, its precise function in the transcription process is not yet well defined. In this review, we discuss some of the recent findings related to this histone variant, how it associates with other histone epigenetic marks, and how post-translational modifications of H2A.Z further define its function.
Draker
Ryan
R
Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 610 University Ave., Toronto, ONM5G2M9, Canada.
Cheung
Peter
P
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D016678:Genome / Q000235:genetics; D006657:Histones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D006657:Histones; D020033:Protein Isoforms