Abstract
Histone variants represent chromatin components that diversify the structure and function of the genome. The variants of H2A, primarily H2A.X, H2A.Z and macroH2A, are well-established participants in DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, which function to protect the integrity of the genome. Through their deposition, post-translational modifications and unique protein interaction networks, these variants guard DNA from endogenous threats including replication stress and genome fragility as well as from DNA lesions inflicted by exogenous sources. A growing body of work is now providing a clearer picture on the involvement and mechanistic basis of H2A variant contribution to genome integrity. Beyond their well-documented role in gene regulation, we review here how histone H2A variants promote genome stability and how alterations in these pathways contribute to human diseases including cancer.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 59-72 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology |
Volume | 135 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 15 2023 |
Keywords
- DNA repair
- Genome integrity
- H2A variants
- H2AX
- Histones
- MacroH2A
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology