Histone H2B is one of the core histone proteins that, along with H2A, H3, and H4, packages DNA into nucleosomes, the repeating structural units of chromatin. Like other histones, histone H2B is a small globular protein with a highly conserved histone fold domain that facilitates its interaction with DNA and other histones. It similarly consists of three alpha helices separated by two loops and is involved in the formation of the histone octamer core within the nucleosome. In addition to its structured histone fold, histone H2B possesses a flexible N-terminal tail protruding from the nucleosome. This N-terminal tail is subject to various post-translational modifications, including acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation, which play important roles in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. Histone H2B, together with H2A, H3, and H4, contributes to the formation of the histone octamer core within the nucleosome. The interactions between histone H2B and DNA are essential for maintaining the stability of the nucleosome. Histone H2B is subject to post-translational modifications that can regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. Acetylation of specific lysines is associated with gene activation, whilst methylation and ubiquitylation have varying effects on gene expression. For example, in Drosophila and some mammalian cells, H2BK120ac is associated with the activation of HOX genes critical for embryonic development and pattern formation. This acetylation mark is involved in opening chromatin at HOX gene loci, allowing access to transcription factors. Additionally, histone H2B ubiquitylation is associated with active transcription, as it facilitates RNA polymerase transcriptional elongation. For example, H2Bub is involved in the activation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, which are essential for ribosome biogenesis and protein synthesis. It contributes to the formation of an active chromatin state at rRNA gene loci, promoting the highly active gene transcription of rRNA genes. Histone H2B is also involved in the exchange of histones within nucleosomes and nucleosome dynamics. Variants of histone H2B, such as H2B.Z, play a role in nucleosome remodelling by replacing canonical H2B in specific genomic regions. This exchange can impact chromatin accessibility and gene regulation. Histone H2B is also associated with DNA repair processes. In response to DNA damage, it can be phosphorylated and ubiquitylated, leading to the recruitment of repair factors to the damaged sites, with variants like H2B.X involved in DNA double-strand break repair. During cell division, histone H2B undergoes extensive phosphorylation, contributing to mitotic chromosome condensation. This phosphorylation results in chromatin compaction, facilitating the proper segregation of chromosomes during mitosis. For example, phosphorylation of histone H2B at S14 contributes to this process by promoting a more condensed chromatin structure. H2B S14 phosphorylation is regulated by various kinases, including Aurora B kinase. Aurora B kinase is a key regulator of mitotic progression, and its phosphorylation of H2B facilitates chromatin condensation and proper segregation of genetic material. Finally, histone H2B and its modifications contribute to cellular memory and epigenetic inheritance. Specific patterns of histone modifications on H2B can mark genes for activation or repression, helping to maintain cell identity and regulate tissue-specific gene expression. We offer a wide product catalogue of research tools for studying Histone H2b, including Histone H2B antibodies, and Histone H2BR79me1 antibodies. Explore our full Histone H2b product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Phosphorylated, Unmodified, and Methylated product ranges.