Evolutionary ancient but dispensable – what is the role of linker histones in plants ?

Abstract

Linker histones (H1) are ancient proteins that have coevolved with eukaryotic chromatin. Beyond their established structural roles, H1s are emerging as key regulators of epigenetic states in both plants and animals. Notably, while H1 depletion is lethal in mice, it is well-tolerated in Arabidopsis under laboratory conditions. By investigating H1 function from molecular to organismal scales, we propose—based on recent findings—that H1s facilitate the transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming essential for cellular transitions.

References

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