EHMT1: Histone methyltransferase that specifically mono- and dimethylates 'Lys-9' of histone H3 (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2, respectively) in euchromatin. H3K9me represents a specific tag for epigenetic transcriptional repression by recruiting HP1 proteins to methylated histones. Also weakly methylates 'Lys-27' of histone H3 (H3K27me). Also required for DNA methylation, the histone methyltransferase activity is not required for DNA methylation, suggesting that these 2 activities function independently. Probably targeted to histone H3 by different DNA-binding proteins like E2F6, MGA, MAX and/or DP1. During G0 phase, it probably contributes to silencing of MYC- and E2F-responsive genes, suggesting a role in G0/G1 transition in cell cycle. In addition to the histone methyltransferase activity, also methylates non- histone proteins: mediates dimethylation of 'Lys-373' of p53/TP53. Defects in EHMT1 are the cause of chromosome 9q subtelomeric deletion syndrome (9q- syndrome). Common features seen in these patients are severe mental retardation, hypotonia, brachy(micro)cephaly, epileptic seizures, flat face with hypertelorism, synophrys, anteverted nares, cupid bow or tented upper lip, everted lower lip, prognathism, macroglossia, conotruncal heart defects, and behavioral problems. Belongs to the histone-lysine methyltransferase family. 4 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.
Protein type: Amino Acid Metabolism - lysine degradation; EC 2.1.1.43; Methyltransferase; Methyltransferase, protein lysine
Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 9q34.3
Cellular Component: nuclear body; nucleoplasm; nucleus
Molecular Function: histone lysine N-methyltransferase activity (H3-K27 specific); histone lysine N-methyltransferase activity (H3-K9 specific); histone-lysine N-methyltransferase activity; methyltransferase activity; p53 binding; protein binding; protein-lysine N-methyltransferase activity
Biological Process: DNA methylation; embryonic development; establishment and/or maintenance of chromatin architecture; histone methylation; negative regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; peptidyl-lysine di-methylation; peptidyl-lysine mono-methylation
Disease: Kleefstra Syndrome
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