Histone-like proteins of bacteria (review)
Anuchin, A.M.; Goncharenko, A.V.; Demidenok, O.I.; Kaprel'iants, A.S.
Prikladnaia Biokhimiia i Mikrobiologiia 47(6): 635-641
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0555-1099 PMID: 22288191 Document Number: 648736
Four major families of bacterial histone-like proteins (HU, IHF, H-NS, FIS), united on the basis of structural similarity and performing specific structural and regulatory functions in the cell, are discussed. Histone-like proteins perform topological modification of the chromosome (twisting, bending, and folding) and directly regulate the functioning of promoters of individual operons. Histone-like proteins are critical for the regulation of cell metabolism, are involved in the response to environmental changes, and play a key role in the transition to and maintenance of the quiescent state of bacteria.