H1FNT
Encyclopedia
H1 histone family, member N, testis-specific is a member of the histone
family of nuclear protein
s which are a component of chromatin
. In humans, this protein is encoded by the H1FNT gene.
The H1FNT protein is essential for nuclear formation in spermatozoa, and is involved in the replacement of histones with protamine
s during spermiogenesis
.
Histone
In biology, histones are highly alkaline proteins found in eukaryotic cell nuclei that package and order the DNA into structural units called nucleosomes. They are the chief protein components of chromatin, acting as spools around which DNA winds, and play a role in gene regulation...
family of nuclear protein
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
s which are a component of chromatin
Chromatin
Chromatin is the combination of DNA and proteins that make up the contents of the nucleus of a cell. The primary functions of chromatin are; to package DNA into a smaller volume to fit in the cell, to strengthen the DNA to allow mitosis and meiosis and prevent DNA damage, and to control gene...
. In humans, this protein is encoded by the H1FNT gene.
The H1FNT protein is essential for nuclear formation in spermatozoa, and is involved in the replacement of histones with protamine
Protamine
Protamines are small, arginine-rich, nuclear proteins that replace histones late in the haploid phase of spermatogenesis and are believed essential for sperm head condensation and DNA stabilization. They may allow for denser packaging of DNA in spermatozoon than histones, but they must be...
s during spermiogenesis
Spermiogenesis
Spermiogenesis is the final stage of spermatogenesis, which sees the maturation of spermatids into mature, motile spermatozoa. The spermatid is more or less circular cell containing a nucleus Golgi apparatus, centriole and mitochondria...
.