HIST1H4B
Histone H4B: An Epigenetic Regulator with Diverse Roles in Human Health
Description
Histone H4B is a core histone protein that forms part of the nucleosome, the basic unit of eukaryotic chromatin. Histones are responsible for packaging DNA into organized structures within the nucleus, allowing for efficient gene regulation and cellular functioning.
H4B is composed of 102 amino acids and is highly conserved across different species. It contains a central histone fold domain flanked by N-terminal and C-terminal tails. The tails are subject to a variety of post-translational modifications, such as methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, which modulate chromatin structure and gene expression.
Associated Diseases
Alterations in H4B structure and modifications have been linked to several human diseases, including:
- Cancer: Abnormal H4B expression or modifications can contribute to tumorigenesis, promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival.
- Intellectual Disability: Mutations in the H4B gene have been associated with intellectual disability and developmental disorders.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Dysregulation of H4B has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, where it affects DNA repair and neuronal function.
Did you Know ?
Approximately 85% of human genomic DNA is packaged into nucleosomes, with H4B being one of the most abundant histones. Its abundance and central role in chromatin structure highlight its importance for overall genome organization and gene regulation.
