Tumor-suppressive functions of protein lysine methyltransferases

Nur Aziz1, Yo Han Hong1, Han Gyung Kim2

  • 1Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.

PubMed

Insights

Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) have dual roles in cancer, acting as both oncogenes and tumor suppressors. This review highlights their tumor-suppressive functions, offering insights for developing targeted cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) are critical enzymes involved in histone and nonhistone modifications.
  • Dysregulation of PKMTs is implicated in cancer development and progression.
  • While often studied for oncogenic roles, PKMTs also exhibit tumor-suppressive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the tumor-suppressive effects of PKMTs.
  • To provide insights for developing novel anticancer drugs targeting PKMTs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on PKMTs in cancer.
  • Analysis of PKMTs' roles in regulating protein stability (p53, β-catenin).
  • Examination of PKMTs' involvement in genomic stability and gene transcription.

Main Results:

  • PKMTs regulate tumor suppression through mechanisms including p53 and β-catenin stabilization.
  • PKMTs contribute to genomic stability via α-tubulin regulation.
  • PKMTs modulate the transcription of key oncogenes and tumor suppressors.

Conclusions:

  • PKMTs possess significant tumor-suppressive activities.
  • Understanding these dual roles is crucial for PKMT-targeted cancer therapy.
  • Targeting PKMTs requires careful consideration of specific cancer types and enzymes to avoid adverse effects.

Related Concept Videos

Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.5K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
4.8K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
7.4K
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
3.0K
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein....
6.8K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.8K