Histone H4 clustered histone 15 (H4C15)

Histone H4 clustered histone 15 (H4C15) is a variant of the core histone H4 family, a highly conserved, basic nuclear protein crucial for chromatin structure in eukaryotes[2][4][8]. As part of the nucleosome core, H4C15 interacts with other core histones (H2A, H2B, H3) to organize and compact DNA into chromatin, regulating its accessibility for replication, transcription, and repair[1][3][4][6][8]. Post-translational modifications to H4—such as acetylation and methylation of lysine and arginine residues—finely tune chromatin dynamics and epigenetic gene regulation[1]. Dysregulation of H4 function or modification is linked to genome instability and multiple diseases, notably cancer[1]. H4C15 is not itself a direct therapeutic target but is influenced by drugs that alter histone modification states[1].

Other names

H4 clustered histone 15H4-16H4C1H4C11H4C12H4C13H4C14H4C16H4C2H4C3H4C4H4C5H4C6H4C8H4C9H4/oHIST2H4BLOC112268238

Inhibition of histone deacetylases increases acetylation of histone H4, leading to relaxed chromatin and increased gene expression. Modulation of histone tail modifications (e.g., methylation, acetylation) regulates access for transcription factors and DNA repair machinery.