Non-histone Methylation of SET7/9 and its Biological Functions

Background: (su(var)-3-9,enhancer-of-zeste,trithorax) domain-containing protein 7/9 (SET7/9) is a member of the protein lysine methyltransferases (PLMTs or PKMTs) family. It contains a SET domain. Recent studies demonstrate that SET7/9 methylates both lysine 4 of histone 3 (H3-K4) and lysine(s) of non-histone proteins, including transcription factors, tumor suppressors, and membrane-associated receptors. Objective: This article mainly reviews the non-histone methylation effects of SET7/9 and its functions in tumorigenesis and development. Methods: PubMed was screened for this information. Results: SET7/9 plays a key regulatory role in various biological processes such as cell proliferation, transcription regulation, cell cycle, protein stability, cardiac morphogenesis, and development. In addition, SET7/9 is involved in the pathogenesis of hair loss, breast cancer progression, human carotid plaque atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion: SET7/9 is an important methyltransferase, which can catalyze the methylation of a variety of proteins. Its substrates are closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors.