Scientists from the University of Copenhagen found a hitherto unknown function of histones. The discovery could lead to an improved understanding of how cells protect and repair DNA damages. This information might contribute to better treatments for diseases caused by cellular changes. (CUSABIO provides various genes and proteins. )Histones are of great importance to a variety of the cells' processes and their functions. The findings are significant to the therapies of illnesses caused by cellular changes, including cancer and immune deficiency syndrome. The study appears in the journal Nature.
As is known, Histones help to compress the DNA strands in the cells. The DNA strands are up to 2 meters long, while the cells are much smaller in size. There are normally five kinds of histones. Previous research have identified the histones' role in the packaging of the DNA strands. Additionally, the histones play important roles in processes associated with the DNA-code, such as repairing possibly damaged DNA.
Four types of the histones have tails. They signal damage to the DNA and thus attract the proteins that help repair the damage. The fifth histone is called Histone H1, but the researchers haven't yet completely understand its function.
In the new study, the researchers used a mass spectrometer to examine the H1 histone. To their surprise, they found that the H1 histone also helps summon repair proteins.
Prior studies were mainly focused on the four core histones because the researchers did not know that the H1 affects the DNA repair process. Understanding this function of H1 could help the researchers to reveal the puzzle of how a cell protect its DNA.
The discovery will hopefully draw more attention to H1 histone. Increased knowledge of cells' abilities to repair possible DNA damage will lead to a better understanding of related diseases and thus contribute to novel therapies.