Histone Demethylases in Cancer

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation, which involves with covalent modifications of DNA and the protein that bundles DNA, namely histones, is an exciting and variable phenomenon that affects normal cellular genetic character and contributes to human diseases. One key histone modification is methylation, regulated by methyl transferases and demethylases. Recent studies have demonstrated that histone demethylases as new therapeutic targets in different diseases including cancers. In this manuscript, we summarize the current view of the histone demethylase families and their role as activators or repressors of various genes in cancer. It has been demonstrated that hypoxia is a driving force for the regulation of histone demethylases in different cancers. We have also discussed the latest development of the role of hypoxia in regulating histone demethylases and its effects on tumor progression.