title: Histone variants and epigenetics.
abstract: Histones package and compact DNA by assembling into nucleosome core particles. Most histones are synthesized at S phase for rapid deposition behind replication forks. In addition, the replacement of histones deposited during S phase by variants that can be deposited independently of replication provide the most fundamental level of chromatin differentiation. Alternative mechanisms for depositing different variants can potentially establish and maintain epigenetic states. Variants have also evolved crucial roles in chromosome segregation, transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, and other processes. Investigations into the evolution, structure, and metabolism of histone variants provide a foundation for understanding the participation of chromatin in important cellular processes and in epigenetic memory.
authors.affiliation: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109-1024.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Henikoff
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908.
authors.forename: M Mitchell
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001105:Archaea / Q000235:genetics; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics*; D004260:DNA Repair / Q000502:physiology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D014644:Genetic Variation / Q000235:genetics*; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones