Histone Variants in Metazoan Development

Laura A. Banaszynski, C. David Allis, Peter W. Lewis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

118 Scopus citations

Abstract

Embryonic development is regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, with nearly all DNA-templated processes influenced by chromatin architecture. Sequence variations in histone proteins, core components of chromatin, provide a means to generate diversity in the chromatin structure, resulting in distinct and profound biological outcomes in the developing embryo. Emerging literature suggests that epigenetic contributions from histone variants play key roles in a number of developmental processes such as the initiation and maintenance of pericentric heterochromatin, X-inactivation, and germ cell differentiation. Here, we review the role of histone variants in the embryo with particular emphasis on early mammalian development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)662-674
Number of pages13
JournalDevelopmental cell
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 16 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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