Histone H3.6 (H3.6)

Histone H3.6 is a newly characterized human variant of the core histone H3 protein, previously annotated as a pseudogene ("H3 histone pseudogene 16"). H3.6 differs from canonical H3 by specific amino acid changes and is incorporated into nucleosomes, though with a structure that confers lower stability compared to major H3.3. H3.6-specific properties—such as Val62 (in place of Ile62 in H3.3)—result in reduced nucleosome thermal stability[1]. This instability may have implications for chromatin dynamics or gene regulation, but the precise biological significance is still under investigation. No disease associations, therapeutic targeting, or biomarker uses are currently established. "p21" is not a recommended alias due to its well-established use for an unrelated cell cycle inhibitor protein[1]. Notes: - There is significant potential for confusion with the unrelated cell cycle protein p21 (CDKN1A). - The variant is distinguished structurally and functionally from canonical H3: H3.1, H3.2, and the replication-independent H3.3[1][4]. - This variant and related histones contribute to the diversity of chromatin compaction and epigenetic regulation in higher eukaryotes[2].

Other names

H3.6H3 histone pseudogene 16p21 (ambiguous, see above)H3P16(Potentially) H3F3P16 (in some databases, refers to the parent gene)