Histone H3 is the most extensively modified core histone, carrying a dense array of post-translational modifications (PTMs) on its N-terminal tail that collectively regulate chromatin state, gene expression, and cell identity. Trimethylation at K27 (H3K27me3) marks Polycomb-repressed genes, trimethylation at K9 (H3K9me3) defines constitutive heterochromatin, and phosphorylation at T11 marks mitotic chromosomes. Detection of these specific modifications — alongside total H3 as a loading control — is foundational to epigenetics research.
abinScience offers anti-Histone H3 antibodies spanning total H3 detection, key modification-specific marks, and the replication-independent variant H3.3, all produced using recombinant technology for ChIP-grade consistency.
Why abinScience?
✓ Modification-specific clones — Recombinant antibodies for H3K27me3, H3K9me3, and phospho-H3 (T11)
✓ Total H3 polyclonal — Broad-reactivity rabbit polyclonal for loading control across species
✓ H3.3 variant-specific — Three clones (N158/15, N158/19, N158/28) distinguishing H3.3 from canonical H3.1/H3.2
✓ Recombinant production — Lot-to-lot consistency critical for ChIP-seq reproducibility
Available Products
Modification-Specific Histone H3 Antibodies
Recombinant antibodies targeting specific post-translational modifications on Histone H3.
Histone H3.3 Variant-Specific Antibodies
Antibodies that selectively recognize the H3.3 variant over canonical H3.1/H3.2 — essential for studying replication-independent histone deposition and active chromatin marks.
About the Target
Gene: H3C1–H3C15 (canonical H3.1/H3.2); H3-3A, H3-3B (variant H3.3)
Molecular weight: ~15.3 kDa
Structure: Core histone in the nucleosome octamer (2× each of H2A, H2B, H3, H4)
The H3 N-terminal tail extends from the nucleosome core and serves as a signaling platform for at least 20 characterized PTMs. Combinatorial patterns of these marks — the "histone code" — are read by chromatin effector proteins to establish transcriptionally active euchromatin, silent heterochromatin, or poised bivalent domains. H3K27me3 (written by PRC2/EZH2) and H3K9me3 (written by SUV39H1/SETDB1) are the two principal repressive marks, while H3K4me3 marks active promoters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is total Histone H3 used as a loading control?
Total H3 is one of the most stable and abundant nuclear proteins, with consistent expression across cell types and conditions. In ChIP experiments and histone modification western blots, total H3 serves as a normalization control to ensure that changes in modification-specific signal reflect true epigenetic changes rather than differences in histone loading or sample preparation.
What is the difference between H3.1, H3.2, and H3.3?
H3.1 and H3.2 are canonical histones deposited during DNA replication (S-phase). H3.3 is a replication-independent variant deposited by the HIRA and DAXX/ATRX chaperones at active genes, regulatory elements, and telomeres. They differ by only 4–5 amino acids, but play distinct roles in chromatin dynamics. H3.3 mutations (K27M, G34R/V) are driver events in pediatric gliomas.
Which H3 antibody should I use for ChIP?
For ChIP-seq, use the recombinant modification-specific antibodies (H3K27me3 clone 2E12# or H3K9me3 clone SAA1473). Recombinant production ensures the lot-to-lot consistency that is critical for reproducible ChIP-seq data. Use the total H3 polyclonal (HV603014) as a normalization control (ChIP input or spike-in reference).
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All products are for research use only (RUO). Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Product availability and specifications are subject to change. Visit individual product pages for the most current information.
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