title: The H1 linker histones: multifunctional proteins beyond the nucleosomal core particle.
abstract: The linker histone H1 family members are a key component of chromatin and bind to the nucleosomal core particle around the DNA entry and exit sites. H1 can stabilize both nucleosome structure and higher-order chromatin architecture. In general, H1 molecules consist of a central globular domain with more flexible tail regions at both their N- and C-terminal ends. The existence of multiple H1 subtypes and a large variety of posttranslational modifications brings about a considerable degree of complexity and makes studying this protein family challenging. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the function of linker histones and their subtypes beyond their role as merely structural chromatin components. We summarize current findings on the role of H1 in heterochromatin formation, transcriptional regulation and embryogenesis with a focus on H1 subtypes and their specific modifications.
authors.affiliation: Medizinweltenservices GmbH, Stuttgart, Germany.
authors.forename: Sonja P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Hergeth
authors.affiliation: Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), CNRS UMR 7104, Inserm U964, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France schneidr@igbmc.fr.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly; D004260:DNA Repair; D047108:Embryonic Development; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000378:metabolism; D042421:Histone Code; D006657:Histones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D006570:Heterochromatin; D006657:Histones; D009707:Nucleosomes
keywords: chromatin; epigenetics; linker histone; modifications; subtypes