Histone Demethylase

Histone demethylases are enzymes that remove methyl groups from histones, crucial components of chromatin structure. This demethylation process is essential for regulating gene expression by altering the chromatin state and making DNA more or less accessible for transcription. Histone demethylases play significant roles in various biological processes including cell differentiation, development, and response to environmental changes. They are categorized based on their mechanism of demethylation; the two main families are the lysine-specific demethylase (LSD) family and the Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing family of demethylases. Malfunction or dysregulation of these enzymes has been linked to several diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental abnormalities.