title: Histone variants in metazoan development.
abstract: Embryonic development is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, with nearly all DNA-templated processes influenced by chromatin architecture. Sequence variations in histone proteins, core components of chromatin, provide a means to generate diversity in the chromatin structure, resulting in distinct and profound biological outcomes in the developing embryo. Emerging literature suggests that epigenetic contributions from histone variants play key roles in a number of developmental processes such as the initiation and maintenance of pericentric heterochromatin, X-inactivation, and germ cell differentiation. Here, we review the role of histone variants in the embryo with particular emphasis on early mammalian development.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Banaszynski
authors.forename: C David
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Allis
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics*; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005306:Fertilization; D005718:Gametogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D049951:X Chromosome Inactivation
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones; D020033:Protein Isoforms