Modulation of chromatin function through linker histone H1 variants

Abstract

In this review, the structural aspects of linker H1 histones are presented as a background for characterization of the factors influencing their function in animal and human chromatin. The action of H1 histone variants is largely determined by dynamic alterations of their intrinsically disordered tail domains, posttranslational modifications and allelic diversification. The interdependent effects of these factors can establish dynamic histone H1 states that may affect the organization and function of chromatin regions.

Keywords: Chromatin structure; Histone H1 variants; Polymorphism; Posttranslational modifications; Protein dynamics.