The H2A.Z-nuclesome code in mammals: emerging functions

Yolanda Colino-Sanguino; Susan J Clark; Fatima Valdes-Mora

doi:10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.003

The H2A.Z-nuclesome code in mammals: emerging functions

Trends Genet. 2022 Mar;38(3):273-289. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.003. Epub 2021 Oct 24.

Authors

Yolanda Colino-Sanguino¹, Susan J Clark², Fatima Valdes-Mora³

Affiliations

¹ Cancer Epigenetics Biology and Therapeutics, Precision Medicine Theme, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Children and Women Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: ycolinosanguino@ccia.org.au.
² Epigenetics Research Laboratory, Genomics and Epigenetics Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
³ Cancer Epigenetics Biology and Therapeutics, Precision Medicine Theme, Children's Cancer Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Children and Women Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: fvaldesmora@ccia.org.au.

PMID: 34702577
DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2021.10.003

Abstract

H2A.Z is a histone variant that provides specific structural and docking-side properties to the nucleosome, resulting in diverse and specialised molecular and cellular functions. In this review, we discuss the latest studies uncovering new functional aspects of mammalian H2A.Z in gene transcription, including pausing and elongation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and enhancer activity; DNA repair; DNA replication; and 3D chromatin structure. We also review the recently described role of H2A.Z in embryonic development, cell differentiation, neurodevelopment, and brain function. In conclusion, our cumulative knowledge of H2A.Z over the past 40 years, in combination with the implementation of novel molecular technologies, is unravelling an unexpected and complex role of histone variants in gene regulation and disease.

Keywords: H2A.Z; emerging functions; histone variants; nucleosome code.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Chromatin* / genetics
Histones* / genetics
Mammals / genetics
Nucleosomes / genetics
RNA Polymerase II / genetics
RNA Polymerase II / metabolism

Substances

Chromatin
Histones
Nucleosomes
RNA Polymerase II