Histone methyltransferases in cancer.
Cancer is perceived as a heterogeneous group of diseases that is characterized by aberrant patterns of gene expression. In the last decade, an increasing amount of data has pointed to a key role for epigenetic alterations in human cancer. In this review, we focus on a subclass of epigenetic regulators, namely histone methyltransferases (HMTs). Several HMTs have been linked to different types of cancer; however, in most cases we only have limited knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms by which the HMTs contribute to disease development. We summarize the current knowledge regarding some of the best-validated examples of HMTs contributing to tumorigenesis and discuss their potential mechanisms of action.
Albert
Mareike
M
BRIC (Biotech Research & Innovation Centre) and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Helin
Kristian
K
D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D000076983:Histone Methyltransferases; D011495:Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics*
D000076983:Histone Methyltransferases; D011495:Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase