H4C1

The H4C1 gene encodes Histone H4, commonly known as H4. As a core component of nucleosomes, it shapes chromatin structure and regulates gene expression through post-translational modifications (acetylation, methylation) on its N-terminal tail—these modifications alter DNA accessibility for replication, repair, and transcription.
H4C1 is involved in epigenetic regulatory pathways linked to cell cycle control and DNA damage response. Dysregulated H4 modifications are associated with cancers (e.g., lung, breast) and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. HDAC inhibitors (e.g., vorinostat) targeting H4 acetylation are approved for cancer therapy, with ongoing research into more specific epigenetic modulators.