Histone Methyltransferase

Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of methyl groups to the lysine and arginine residues of histone proteins, key components of chromatin. This methylation plays a vital role in regulating DNA accessibility and, consequently, gene expression. HMTs are crucial for various cellular processes including transcription regulation, DNA repair, and replication. They are broadly categorized into two groups: lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) and arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). The specific patterns of methylation they introduce can either activate or repress gene expression, depending on the site and extent of methylation. Dysregulation of HMT activity is implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders, highlighting their importance in epigenetic regulation.