Histone variants are a universal means to alter the biochemical properties of nucleosomes, implementing local changes in chromatin structure. H2A.Z, one of the most conserved histone variants, is incorporated into chromatin by SWR1-type nucleosome remodelers. Here, we summarize recent advances toward understanding the transcription-regulatory roles of H2A.Z and of the remodeling enzymes that govern its dynamic chromatin incorporation. Tight transcriptional control guaranteed by H2A.Z nucleosomes depends on the context provided by other histone variants or chromatin modifications, such as histone acetylation. The functional cooperation of SWR1-type remodelers with NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complexes, a recurring theme during evolution, is structurally implemented by species-specific strategies.

组蛋白变体是改变核小体生化特性、实现染色质结构局部变化的通用手段。H2A.Z 是最保守的组蛋白变体之一，通过 SWR1 型核小体重塑器整合到染色质中。在这里，我们总结了在理解 H2A.Z 的转录调节作用和控制其动态染色质掺入的重塑酶方面的最新进展。H2A.Z 核小体保证的严格转录控制取决于其他组蛋白变体或染色质修饰（如组蛋白乙酰化）提供的环境。SWR1 型重塑剂与 NuA4 组蛋白乙酰转移酶复合物的功能合作是进化过程中反复出现的主题，在结构上是通过物种特异性策略实现的。