Erasing the Methyl Mark: Histone Demethylases at the Center of Cellular Differentiation and Disease

Overview

Journal Genes Dev

Specialty Molecular Biology

Date 2008 May 3

PMID 18451103

Citations 326

Authors

Paul A C Cloos

Jesper Christensen

Karl Agger

Kristian Helin

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The enzymes catalyzing lysine and arginine methylation of histones are essential for maintaining transcriptional programs and determining cell fate and identity. Until recently, histone methylation was regarded irreversible. However, within the last few years, several families of histone demethylases erasing methyl marks associated with gene repression or activation have been identified, underscoring the plasticity and dynamic nature of histone methylation. Recent discoveries have revealed that histone demethylases take part in large multiprotein complexes synergizing with histone deacetylases, histone methyltransferases, and nuclear receptors to control developmental and transcriptional programs. Here we review the emerging biochemical and biological functions of the histone demethylases and discuss their potential involvement in human diseases, including cancer.

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