Histone H3 mutations in pediatric brain tumors

Until recently, mutations in histones had not been described in any human disease. However, genome-wide sequencing of pediatric high-grade gliomas revealed somatic heterozygous mutations in the genes encoding histones H3.1 and H3.3, as well as mutations in the chromatin modifiers ATRX and DAXX. The functional significance and mechanistic details of how these mutations affect the tumors is currently under intensive investigation. The information gained from these studies will shed new light on normal brain development as well as increase our understanding of the tumorigenic processes that drive pediatric high-grade gliomas.