Histone H3.3 (encoded by H3F3A) (H3.3)

Histone H3.3 is a replication-independent variant of histone H3, encoded by the H3F3A gene in humans. Unlike canonical histone H3, which is incorporated into chromatin during DNA replication, H3.3 is deposited throughout the cell cycle, especially at regions of active transcription. This variant plays a key role in maintaining chromatin structure, supporting genome integrity, regulating gene expression, and serving as an epigenetic marker of active chromatin. Pathogenic mutations in H3F3A (such as Lys27Met and Gly34Arg/Val) are associated with certain pediatric and young adult cancers, including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma and high-grade astrocytomas, as well as bone tumors like chondroblastoma and giant cell tumor of bone[1][2]. H3.3 is not considered a direct therapeutic target such as receptors, enzymes, or ion channels but is important in epigenetic regulation and disease biology[1][6].

Other names

H3F3AH3-3AH3F3H33H33_HUMAN