Histones are basic nuclear proteins that are responsible for the nucleosome structure of the chromosomal fiber in eukaryotes. Two molecules of each of the four core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4) form an octamer, around which approximately 146 bp of DNA is wrapped in repeating units, called nucleosomes. The linker histone, H1, interacts with linker DNA between nucleosomes and functions in the compaction of chromatin into higher order structures. This gene encodes a member of the histone H2B family, and generates two transcripts through the use of the conserved stem-loop termination motif, and the polyA addition motif. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Function:
In diploid eukaryotic cells, the chromatin fibers are about 20nM in diameter. They consist of two major components in equal amounts, DNA and basic proteins called histones. Histones are believed to be regularly arranged in the deep groove of the DNA helix. The recurring positive charges of the histones form electrostatic associations with the negatively charged phosphate groups of DNA, making the DNA more stable and flexible. This allows for the supercoiling of the chromatin fibers. Histones are basic nuclear proteins that are responsible for the nucleosome structure of the chromosomal fiber in eukaryotes. Nucleosomes consist of approximately 146 bp of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer composed of pairs of each of the four core histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). The chromatin fiber is further compacted through the interaction of a linker histone, H1, with the DNA between the nucleosomes to form higher order chromatin structures. Linker histones are involved in the formation of higher order structure in chromatin and the maintenance of overall chromatin compaction. Whilst the core histones are highly conserved across a wide range of organisms, the linker histones are less conserved.
Subcellular Location:
Nuclear
Similarity:
Belongs to the histone H2B family.
SWISS:
P62807
Gene ID:
8349
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 8349 Human
Entrez Gene: 319190 Mouse
Omim: 601831 Human
SwissProt: P62807 Human
SwissProt: Q16778 Human
SwissProt: Q5QNX0 Human
SwissProt: Q64524 Mouse
Unigene: 2178 Human
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