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Aberrant Activity of Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) Complexes in Oncogenesis

Elzbieta Poreba1, Krzysztof Lesniewicz2, Julia Durzynska1

  • 1Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase (KMT2) complexes regulate gene transcription and development. Aberrant KMT2 gene activity drives cancer, prompting research into targeted therapies for KMT2-related malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • KMT2 complexes regulate gene transcription via histone methylation at promoters and enhancers.
  • These complexes are crucial for normal development but implicated in aberrant tissue growth.
  • KMT2 gene mutations, particularly KMT2A (MLL1) rearrangements, are linked to pediatric leukemias and various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the role of KMT2 complexes in cell transformation.
  • To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting KMT2 complex components.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on KMT2 complexes in cancer.
  • Analysis of the role of KMT2 components in oncogenesis.
  • Summary of therapeutic targeting approaches.

Main Results:

  • KMT2 complexes are frequently mutated in human cancers, contributing to oncogenesis.
  • Components of KMT2 complexes play a role in cancer development.
  • KMT2 mutations are associated with specific cancer types, including pediatric leukemias.

Conclusions:

  • KMT2 complexes are critical regulators of gene transcription with significant roles in both normal development and cancer.
  • Dysregulation of KMT2 complexes contributes to cell transformation and oncogenesis.
  • Targeting KMT2 complex components represents a promising therapeutic avenue for KMT2-driven cancers.
Keywords:
COMPASSCOMPASS-likeH3K4 methylationcancerchromatinepigeneticshistone–lysine N-methyltransferase 2oncogenesis

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