Developmental function of HMGN proteins

High mobility group N (HMGN) proteins are the only nuclear proteins known to specifically recognize the generic structure of the 147-bp nucleosome core particle. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that HMGN proteins are involved in epigenetic regulation by modulating chromatin structure and levels of posttranslational modifications of nucleosomal histones. Expression of HMGN proteins is developmentally regulated, and the loss or overexpression of these proteins can lead to developmental abnormalities. This review will focus on the role and on the possible molecular mechanism whereby HMGN proteins affect cellular differentiation and development.