Characterisation of the lysine methyltransferases KMT9 and KMT10 (B01)

• Subject Area: Reproductive Medicine, Urology
• Term: since 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192904750

We have identified the novel histone methyltransferase KMT9 and depletion of this enzyme severely affects proliferation of prostate cancer cells and prostate tumours. Our findings provide a promising novel paradigm for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We developed drug-like inhibitors with high potency and selectivity. We propose to evaluate the therapeutic potential of KMT9 inhibitors and their impact on physiology and pathology and to characterise enzymatic inactive KMT9α knock-in mice. Furthermore, we will characterise the novel histone methyltransferase KMT10.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 992: Medical Epigenetics (MEDEP) - From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Applications
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Roland Schüle