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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:54
Extraction of Histones from Clinical Specimens for Epigenetic Profiling by Mass Spectrometry
Published on: November 21, 2025
Histone methyltransferases in cancer
Mareike Albert1, Kristian Helin
1BRIC (Biotech Research & Innovation Centre) and Centre for Epigenetics, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|November 7, 2009
Summary
Epigenetic alterations, particularly histone methyltransferases (HMTs), play a crucial role in cancer development. This review explores the molecular mechanisms of HMTs in tumorigenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer is a complex disease driven by altered gene expression.
- Epigenetic modifications are increasingly recognized as critical factors in cancer.
- Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are a key subclass of epigenetic regulators implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on histone methyltransferases (HMTs) in cancer.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which HMTs contribute to tumorigenesis.
- To highlight well-validated examples of HMTs in cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epigenetic alterations in cancer.
- Focus on histone methyltransferases (HMTs) as key regulators.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking HMTs to cancer progression.
Main Results:
- Several HMTs are associated with diverse cancer types.
- The precise molecular mechanisms of HMTs in disease development are often not fully understood.
- This review consolidates existing data on prominent HMTs involved in tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- Histone methyltransferases are significant contributors to cancer development.
- Further research is needed to fully understand HMTs' roles and therapeutic potential.
- Targeting HMTs may offer novel strategies for cancer treatment.
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