Anti-silencing function 1A histone chaperone (ASF1A)

Anti-silencing function 1A histone chaperone (ASF1A) is a highly conserved histone chaperone encoded by the *ASF1A* gene in humans. ASF1A binds histones H3 and H4, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of nucleosomes during transcription, replication, and DNA repair. It acts by preventing H3/H4 heterotetramer formation and partnering with chromatin assembly factors such as CAF-1 and HIRA, which help deposit histone tetramers onto DNA. ASF1A is critical for S-phase progression and maintaining transcriptional accuracy; its loss or mutation can lead to DNA replication defects, activation of the DNA damage response, and chromosomal rearrangements. Besides its canonical roles, ASF1A is regulated by phosphorylation (e.g., by Tousled-like kinases) and interacts with various chromatin-associated proteins. ASF1A's histone chaperone activity is central to epigenetic regulation and genome stability, with dysfunction linked to cancer and other diseases.

Other names

ASF1ACGI-98CIAHSPC146hAsf1hAsf1aanti-silencing function protein 1 homolog ACCG1-interacting factor A

Not applicable/no drugs described; mechanistically, inhibition or modulation of ASF1A could affect chromatin assembly, DNA replication, and transcriptional silencing