Targets in epigenetics: inhibiting the methyl writers of the histone code

Curr Chem Genomics. 2011;5(Suppl 1):72-84. doi: 10.2174/1875397301005010072. Epub 2011 Aug 22.

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that protein lysine methyltransferases (PKMTs) and protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) are associated with the development of various human diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and psychiatric disorders. Given the significant role of these proteins in human disease, efforts to discover selective small-molecule inhibitors of these enzymes are quickly gaining momentum. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in the discovery of selective PKMT and PRMT inhibitors. A future perspective on developing methyltransferase inhibitors is also offered.

Keywords: Epigenetics.; HMT inhibitors; PKMT inhibitors; PRMT inhibitors; drug discovery; methyltransferase inhibitors; small molecule inhibitors.