Histone demethylase JMJD3 at the intersection of cellular senescence and cancer

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016 Apr;1865(2):237-44. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2016.03.002. Epub 2016 Mar 5.

Abstract

Cellular senescence is defined by an irreversible growth arrest and is an important biological mechanism for suppression of tumor formation. Although deletion/mutation to DNA sequences is one mechanism by which cancer cells can escape senescence, little is known about the epigenetic factors contributing to this process. Histone modifications and chromatin remodeling related to the function of a histone demethylase, jumonji domain-containing protein 3 (JMJD3; also known as KDM6B), play an important role in development, tissue regeneration, stem cells, inflammation, and cellular senescence and aging. The role of JMJD3 in cancer is poorly understood and its function may be at the intersection of many pathways promoted in a dysfunctional manner such as activation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) observed in aging.

Keywords: Aging; Cancer; H3K27; Inflammation; JMJD3; Jumonji; SASP; Senescence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cellular Reprogramming
  • Cellular Senescence*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Humans
  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases / physiology*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases
  • KDM6B protein, human