Chromatin is a highly dynamic structure that closely relates with gene expression in eukaryotes. ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling, histone post-translational modification and DNA methylation are the main ways that mediate such plasticity. The histone variant H2A.Z is frequently encountered in eukaryotes, and can be deposited or removed from nucleosomes by chromatin remodelling complex SWR1 or INO80, respectively, leading to altered chromatin state. H2A.Z has been found to be involved in a diverse range of biological processes, including genome stability, DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. Due to their formidable production of secondary metabolites, filamentous fungi play outstanding roles in pharmaceutical production, food safety and agriculture. During the last few years, chromatin structural changes were proven to be a key factor associated with secondary metabolism in fungi. However, studies on the function of H2A.Z are scarce. Here, we summarize current knowledge of H2A.Z functions with a focus on filamentous fungi. We propose that H2A.Z is a potential target involved in the regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis by fungi.

染色质是一种高度动态的结构，与真核生物中的基因表达密切相关。ATP依赖的染色质重塑，组蛋白翻译后修饰和DNA甲基化是介导这种可塑性的主要方式。组蛋白变体H2A.Z在真核生物中经常遇到，并且可以分别通过染色质重塑复合物SWR1或INO80从核小体中沉积或去除，从而导致染色质状态发生改变。已发现H2A.Z与多种生物过程有关，包括基因组稳定性，DNA修复和转录调控。由于其次生代谢产物的强大产生，丝状真菌在药品生产，食品安全和农业中发挥着重要作用。在过去的几年中，染色质的结构变化被证明是与真菌二次代谢相关的关键因素。但是，关于H2A.Z功能的研究很少。在这里，我们总结H2A.Z功能的当前知识，重点是丝状真菌。我们建议H2A.Z是潜在的目标参与真菌的次级代谢产物生物合成的调节。