Histone H2B ubiquitination: the cancer connection

Post-translational modifications of histones play a critical role in gene expression control. Ultimately, cancer is a disease of aberrant gene expression. Accordingly, several histone-modifying enzymes have been described as proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Recent reports, including one from Shema and colleagues (pp. 2664 2676) in the October 1, 2008, issue of Genes and Development, indicate that deregulation of histone H2B monoubiquitination may contribute to cancer development.