Histone-modifying enzymes: regulators of developmental decisions and drivers of human disease

Epigenomics. 2012 Apr;4(2):163-77. doi: 10.2217/epi.12.3.

Abstract

Precise transcriptional networks drive the orchestration and execution of complex developmental processes. Transcription factors possessing sequence-specific DNA binding properties activate or repress target genes in a step-wise manner to control most cell lineage decisions. This regulation often requires the interaction between transcription factors and subunits of massive protein complexes that bear enzymatic activities towards histones. The functional coupling of transcription proteins and histone modifiers underscores the importance of transcriptional regulation through chromatin modification in developmental cell fate decisions and in disease pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • DNA Methylation
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Histone Deacetylases / chemistry
  • Histone Deacetylases / genetics
  • Histone Deacetylases / metabolism*
  • Histone Demethylases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Histone Demethylases / genetics
  • Histone Demethylases / metabolism*
  • Histones / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases / genetics
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Histones
  • Histone Demethylases
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases
  • Histone Deacetylases
  • histone deacetylase 3