HIST1H4G
Histone H4: An Epigenetic Regulator with Widespread Implications
Description
Histone H4 is one of the five core histone proteins that form the structural foundation of chromatin, the coiled DNA within eukaryotic cells. It plays a crucial role in gene regulation, chromatin organization, and cell development. The N-terminal tail of histone H4 undergoes various post-translational modifications (PTMs), including methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, which influence chromatin structure and gene expression patterns.
Associated Diseases
Aberrant histone H4 modifications have been linked to several human diseases, including:
- Cancer: Altered histone H4 methylation patterns are associated with tumorigenesis, contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis.
- Neurological disorders: Dysregulation of histone H4 acetylation and other PTMs can disrupt neuronal function and lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Histone H4 modifications play a role in cardiac remodeling and the development of heart failure.
- Immune disorders: Aberrant histone H4 methylation patterns have been implicated in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Did you Know ?
- Approximately 5% of the human genome is packaged into nucleosomes, which are octameric protein complexes consisting of two copies of each core histone protein (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). Histone H4 is the most abundant core histone, accounting for about 20% of the nucleosome mass.
