Alkb homolog 1, histone h2a dioxygenase

Alkb homolog 1, histone H2A dioxygenase (also known as ALKBH1) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ALKBH1 gene. This enzyme belongs to the AlkB family, which is involved in the direct reversal of DNA and RNA damage.

Function

ALKBH1 is a histone dioxygenase that oxidatively demethylates histone H2A, a process that is associated with gene silencing. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. It is also involved in the cellular response to DNA damage, contributing to the maintenance of genomic stability and the prevention of cancer.

Structure

The ALKBH1 enzyme is a member of the AlkB family, which is characterized by a conserved catalytic domain containing a iron(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenase fold. The structure of ALKBH1 includes a unique N-terminal domain, which is not found in other AlkB family members.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the ALKBH1 gene have been associated with a variety of human diseases, including certain types of cancer. The enzyme's role in DNA repair and gene regulation makes it a potential target for cancer therapy.

See also

• AlkB family
• Histone
• Epigenetics
• DNA repair