HIST1H4E
Understanding Histone H4E: A Key Player in Gene Regulation
Description:
Histone H4E is one of the five core histones that make up the nucleosome, the fundamental unit of chromatin. Chromatin is the structure that packages DNA within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Histones play a crucial role in this packaging by wrapping DNA around themselves, forming a tight complex that regulates gene expression.
Histone H4E is specifically associated with the H2A histone variant, forming the H2A-H4E heterodimer. This heterodimer is a key component of the nucleosome core particle, which is responsible for the primary level of DNA packaging.
Associated Diseases:
Mutations in histone H4E have been linked to several diseases, including:
- Cancers: Mutations in H4E have been implicated in various cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.
- Intellectual disability: Mutations in H4E can lead to intellectual disability, with symptoms ranging from mild learning difficulties to severe developmental delays.
Did you Know ?
- Approximately 1% of all childhood leukemia cases are associated with mutations in histone H4E.
