Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Histone methylation has important roles in regulating transcription, genome integrity and epigenetic inheritance. Historically, methylated histone arginine and lysine residues have been considered static modifications because of the low levels of methyl-group turnover in chromatin. The recent identification of enzymes that antagonize or remove histone methylation has changed this view and now the dynamic nature of these modifications is being appreciated. Here, we examine the enzymatic and structural basis for the mechanisms that these enzymes use to counteract histone methylation and provide insights into their substrate specificity and biological function.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nrm2143

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol

Publication Date

04/2007

Volume

8

Pages

307 - 318

Keywords

Animals, Arginine, Histones, Humans, Hydrolases, Lysine, Methylation, Oxidoreductases, N-Demethylating, Protein Processing, Post-Translational, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Protein-Arginine Deiminases