Jumonji Domain Containing Protein 8 (JMJD8)

A crucial regulator of chromatin dynamics and DNA transcription is the covalent modification and methylation of histones. Generally, methylation of certain lysine residues on Histone H3 and Histone H4 can be associated with transcriptionally active or inactive chromatin. JMJD8 is a member of a family of JMJC domain-containing histone demethylases that are directly involved in removing methyl residues from distinct and unique lysine residues. These actions are implicated in gene expression and the regulation of cell senescence. JMJC domain-containing histone demethylases are also likely involved in development via their ability to regulate gene expression. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-50 is the initiator.