HMG Proteins and Their Role in Chromatin Structure and Function

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the HMG protein family in the structure and function of chromatin. HMG proteins are a group of small, non-histone proteins with high mobility that have the ability to bind to DNA. Through this mechanism, they participate in various cellular processes such as gene expression regulation, cell proliferation, and DNA repair. These proteins are classified into three superfamilies: HMGA, HMGN, and HMGB, each of which is divided into different subgroups with unique structures and functions within the cell. The roles of these proteins in cancer occurrence, apoptosis, signaling pathways, blood sugar regulation, and immunity have also been demonstrated. This review study was conducted by collecting and analyzing reputable domestic and international articles. The findings of this study indicate that HMG proteins can enhance chromatin stability and flexibility by altering chromatin dynamics, or conversely, facilitate the binding of transcription factors by loosening the structure. Initially, the structure and function of each group within the HMG protein family are examined separately, followed by their impact on chromatin structure and function. Post-translational modifications in HMG proteins can affect chromatin's binding affinity to other proteins, which is examined in this research.