H2BW1 is an atypical histone H2B variant that forms nucleosomes structurally indistinguishable from conventional H2B-containing nucleosomes, regulating DNA accessibility through nucleosome positioning and histone modifications 12. Unlike conventional H2B, H2BW1 does not recruit chromosome X factors or participate in mitotic chromosome X 2. Based on limited published evidence, H2BW1 may be important for telomere function and spermatogenesis 23. Recently, genetic variants near H2BW1 have been associated with Parkinson's disease risk in Latin American populations 4.