The eukaryotic genome exists in vivo at an equimolar ratio with histones, thus forming a polymer composed of DNA and histone proteins. Each nucleosomal unit in this polymer provides versatile capabilities and dynamic range. Substitutions of the individual components of the histone core with structurally distinct histone variants and covalent modifications alter the local fabric of the chromatin fiber, resulting in epigenetic changes that can be regulated by the cell. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the study of histone variant structure, assembly, and inheritance, their influence on nucleosome positioning, and their cumulative effect upon gene expression, DNA repair and the progression of disease. We also highlight fundamental questions that remain unanswered regarding the behavior of histone variants and their influence on cellular function in the normal and diseased states.

中文翻译：

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组蛋白变体：染色质世界的骗子。

真核基因组在体内以与组蛋白等摩尔比存在，从而形成由DNA和组蛋白组成的聚合物。这种聚合物中的每个核小体单元都具有多种功能和动态范围。用结构上不同的组蛋白变体和共价修饰替换组蛋白核心的各个组分会改变染色质纤维的局部结构，导致可以由细胞调节的表观遗传变化。在这篇综述中，我们重点介绍了组蛋白变异结构、组装和遗传研究的最新进展，它们对核小体定位的影响，以及它们对基因表达、DNA 修复和疾病进展的累积影响。