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Updated: Oct 3, 2025

In Vitro Characterization of Histone Chaperones using Analytical, Pull-Down and Chaperoning Assays
Published on: December 29, 2021
H3-H4 histone chaperones and cancer
Dominique Ray-Gallet1, Geneviève Almouzni1
1Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Nuclear Dynamics Unit, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 26 Rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
Abstract:
Histone chaperones are key regulators of chromatin structure and function. Their frequent mis-regulation in various cancers can impact tumor initiation and progression. Here, we focus on H3-H4 histone chaperones to highlight recent studies concerning their roles in several cancers thereby expanding on previous reports illustrating their functions as tumor-promoting and/or as useful biomarkers for clinical applications. In particular, we discuss how imperfect compensation between H3-H4 histone chaperones favors tumor progression by stimulating the Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) or the Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Finally, we present initial studies pointing towards therapies that target H3-H4 histone chaperones for cancer treatment.
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