Histone lysine demethylases as targets for anticancer therapy

Specific patterns of post-translational modifications in chromatin structure are important factors in the regulation of gene expression, and when deregulated they can contribute to diseases including cancer and neurological disorders. Here, Helin and colleagues focus on the role of one class of chromatin-modifier enzymes — the histone lysine demethylases — highlighting their links to cancer and their potential to be therapeutically targeted.