Structure-function relationships in KDM7 histone demethylases

The demethylation of lysine residues of histone proteins is a key epigenetic mechanism in cells. The enzymes that catalyze these processes are called histone demethylases (KDMs). The largest family of KDMs is the Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing enzymes; these includes KDM2-7 subfamily of enzymes. The JmjC proteins are Fe(II) and 2-Oxoglutarate (2OG) - dependent dioxygenases that couple substrate oxidation to decarboxylation of 2OG to form succinate and CO2. The KDM7 subfamily of enzymes - PHF8 (KDM7B) and KIAA1718 (KDM7A) are human JmjC 2OG-dependent Nε-methyl lysine demethylases and are involved in demethylation of lysine residues in histones such as H3K27me2/1, H3K9me2/1 and H4K20me1. These enzymes are involved in multiple pathologic processes, including cancers and mental retardation. In this chapter, we present the current state of the art in the structural, biochemical and computational studies of KDM7 enzymes.