Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase SETDB1 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the SETDB1 gene. [5] [6] SETDB1 is also known as KMT1E or H3K9 methyltransferase ESET.
The SET domain is a highly conserved, approximately 150-amino acid motif implicated in the modulation of chromatin structure. It was originally identified as part of a larger conserved region present in the Drosophila Trithorax protein and was subsequently identified in the Drosophila Su(var)3-9 and 'Enhancer of zeste' proteins, from which the acronym SET is derived. Studies have suggested that the SET domain may be a signature of proteins that modulate transcriptionally active or repressed chromatin states through chromatin remodeling activities. [6]
During meiosis, synapsis of homologous chromosomes ensures correct homologous chromosome segregation. Asynapsed homologs are transcriptionally inactivated by a process of meiotic silencing. [7] Meiotic silencing depends on the DNA damage response network. [7] SETDB1 protein has been identified as the bridge linking the DNA damage response to chromosome silencing in male mice. [7]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.