Histones are integral components of eukaryotic chromatin that have a pivotal role in the organization and function of the genome. The dynamic regulation of chromatin involves the incorporation of histone variants, which can dramatically alter its structural and functional properties. Contrary to an earlier view that limited individual histone variants to specific genomic functions, new insights have revealed that histone variants exert multifaceted roles involving all aspects of genome function, from governing patterns of gene expression at precise genomic loci to participating in genome replication, repair and maintenance. This conceptual change has led to a new understanding of the intricate interplay between chromatin and DNA-dependent processes and how this connection translates into normal and abnormal cellular functions.

组蛋白是真核染色质的组成部分，在基因组的组织和功能中发挥着关键作用。染色质的动态调节涉及组蛋白变体的掺入，这可以显着改变其结构和功能特性。早期观点认为个体组蛋白变体仅限于特定的基因组功能，但新的见解表明，组蛋白变体发挥多方面的作用，涉及基因组功能的各个方面，从控制精确基因组位点的基因表达模式到参与基因组复制、修复和维护。这一概念上的变化使人们对染色质和 DNA 依赖性过程之间复杂的相互作用以及这种联系如何转化为正常和异常细胞功能有了新的认识。