Jumonji C Demethylases in Cellular Senescence

Genes (Basel). 2019 Jan 9;10(1):33. doi: 10.3390/genes10010033.

Abstract

Senescence is a stable cell cycle arrest that is either tumor suppressive or tumor promoting depending on context. Epigenetic changes such as histone methylation are known to affect both the induction and suppression of senescence by altering expression of genes that regulate the cell cycle and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. A conserved group of proteins containing a Jumonji C (JmjC) domain alter chromatin state, and therefore gene expression, by demethylating histones. Here, we will discuss what is currently known about JmjC demethylases in the induction of senescence, and how these enzymes suppress senescence to contribute to tumorigenesis.

Keywords: cell cycle; epigenetics; histones; metabolism; p53; retinoblastoma protein; senescence-associated heterochromatin foci; senescence-associated secretory phenotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Cellular Senescence*
  • Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases / genetics
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases