H2AFB2

H2AFB2 is a gene that encodes a member of the H2A histone family, subtype B2. The protein encoded by this gene is part of the histone octamer, which is an integral part of nucleosome. The nucleosome is the smallest subunit of chromatin and consists of 147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histones (two each of H2A, H2B, H3, and H4). Histones play a central role in transcription regulation, DNA repair, DNA replication and chromosomal stability.

Function

H2AFB2 is a member of the histone H2A family which is one of the four core histones that make up the nucleosome core particle. The H2AFB2 variant has specific features, such as a docking domain for the chromatin remodeling complex NuRD and an extra DNA binding site, which are not found in the canonical H2A.

Clinical Significance

Changes in the H2AFB2 gene have been associated with cancer and other diseases. For example, overexpression of H2AFB2 has been observed in breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis.

See Also

• Histone
• Nucleosome
• Chromatin
• DNA
• Cancer
• Breast cancer

References

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