A complex interplay between histone variants and DNA methylation.

Abstract

Nucleosomes, the chromatin building blocks, play an important role in controlling DNA and chromatin accessibility. Nucleosome remodeling and the incorporation of distinct histone variants confer unique structural and biochemical properties, influencing the targeting of multiple epigenetic pathways, particularly DNA methylation. This stable epigenetic mark suppresses transposable element expression in plants and mammals, serving as an additional layer of chromatin regulation. In this review we explore recent advances in our understanding of the complex interplays between histone variants and DNA methylation in plants, and discuss the role that chromatin remodeling plays in coordinating histone exchange and methylation of DNA.