Structure and functions of linker histones
- Authors: Lyubitelev A.V.1, Nikitin D.V.1, Shaytan A.K.1, Studitsky V.M.1,2, Kirpichnikov M.P.1
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Affiliations:
- Faculty of Biology
- Fox Chase Cancer Center
- Issue: Vol 81, No 3 (2016)
- Pages: 213-223
- Section: Review
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/0006-2979/article/view/150793
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297916030032
- ID: 150793
Cite item
Abstract
Linker histones such as variants H1, H5, and other similar proteins play an important role in regulation of chromatin structure and dynamics. However, interactions of linker histones with DNA and proteins, as well as specific functions of their different variants, are poorly studied. This is because they acquire tertiary structure only when interacting with a nucleosome, and because of limitations of currently available methods. However, deeper investigation of linker histones and their interactions with other proteins will address a number of important questions — from structure of compacted chromatin to regulation of early embryogenesis. In this review, structures of histone H1 variants and its interaction with chromatin DNA are considered. A possible functional significance of different H1 variants, a role of these proteins in maintaining interphase chromatin structure, and interactions of linker histones with other cellular proteins are also discussed.
About the authors
A. V. Lyubitelev
Faculty of Biology
Email: Vasily.Studitsky@fccc.edu
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991
D. V. Nikitin
Faculty of Biology
Author for correspondence.
Email: dvnikitin@rambler.ru
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991
A. K. Shaytan
Faculty of Biology
Email: Vasily.Studitsky@fccc.edu
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991
V. M. Studitsky
Faculty of Biology; Fox Chase Cancer Center
Author for correspondence.
Email: Vasily.Studitsky@fccc.edu
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991; Philadelphia, PA, 19111
M. P. Kirpichnikov
Faculty of Biology
Email: Vasily.Studitsky@fccc.edu
Russian Federation, Moscow, 119991