Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Lysine-specific demethylase PHF2 (PHF2)
- Target
- PHF2
- Molecular classification
- Enzyme, Epigenetic regulator, Histone modification protein, Chromatin-modifying enzyme, Transcriptional regulator
01
Overview
Lysine-specific demethylase PHF2 (PHF2) is an epigenetic enzyme that belongs to the Jumonji-C (JmjC) superfamily of histone demethylases. It specifically demethylates histone H3 at lysine 9 di-methyl (H3K9me2) and, to a lesser extent, other targets such as H4K20me3, functioning as a transcriptional coactivator and chromatin regulator[2][3][7]. PHF2 contains a plant homeodomain (PHD) zinc finger for methyl-lysine recognition and a JmjC catalytic domain. It is essential for bone formation, contributing to osteoblast differentiation by demethylating Runx2[2]. It plays a role in DNA repair, immune gene regulation, and memory-related gene expression in the brain by epigenetically reinforcing BDNF–CREB signaling[4][5]. PHF2 is associated with several diseases, including cancer, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental syndromes, making it a potential (but as yet unexploited) therapeutic target[3][6][7].
- Other names
- PHF2PHD finger protein 2Lysine-specific demethylase PHF2CENP-35KIAA0662JHDM1EKDM7CGRC5jumonji C domain-containing histone demethylase 1Ecentromere protein 35
02
Mechanism of action
Demethylation of histone lysine residues, notably H3K9me2 and H4K20me3, leading to transcriptional activation of target genes[2][3][7]. Modulation of activity through interaction with other proteins (e.g., ARID5B, CREB, Runx2)[2][3][4].
03
Biological functions
Histone demethylation (H3K9me2, H4K20me3)Transcriptional coactivation and regulationChromatin remodelingRegulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone formationDNA damage repairEpigenetic regulation of memory-related gene expression
04
Disease associations
Cancer (e.g., prostate cancer)Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder)Bone developmental disorders (e.g., dwarfism)Other emerging roles (potential in leukemia and memory-related pathologies)
05
Safety considerations
As PHF2 impacts global chromatin dynamics, targeting it therapeutically could affect a wide range of genes, raising risks of unintended consequences, such as genome instability or effects on differentiation processes[3][5].Loss of function may impair DNA repair and genomic integrity[5].
06
Interacting drugs
None currently approved or in clinical use; no small-molecule modulators specifically targeting PHF2 are documented
07
Biomarkers
Expression or mutation status of PHF2 may serve as a marker in certain cancers and neurodevelopmental disorders[3][6].Downregulation or loss-of-function linked to autism spectrum disorder and some cancers[3][6].
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Lysine-specific demethylase PHF2 (PHF2).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Lysine-specific demethylase PHF2 (PHF2).