ASH2L
Function
Transcriptional regulator (PubMed:12670868). Component or associated component of some histone methyltransferase complexes which regulates transcription through recruitment of those complexes to gene promoters (PubMed:19131338). Component of the Set1/Ash2 histone methyltransferase (HMT) complex, a complex that specifically methylates 'Lys-4' of histone H3, but not if the neighboring 'Lys-9' residue is already methylated (PubMed:19556245). As part of the MLL1/MLL complex it is involved in methylation and dimethylation at 'Lys-4' of histone H3 (PubMed:19556245). May play a role in hematopoiesis (PubMed:12670868). In association with RBBP5 and WDR5, stimulates the histone methyltransferase activities of KMT2A, KMT2B, KMT2C, KMT2D, SETD1A and SETD1B (PubMed:21220120, PubMed:22266653).
Post-translational modifications
Both monomethylated and dimethylated on arginine residues in the C-terminus. Arg-296 is the major site. Methylation is not required for nuclear localization, nor for MLL complex integrity or maintenance of global histone H3K4me3 levels.
Tissue Specificity
Ubiquitously expressed. Predominantly expressed in adult heart and testis and fetal lung and liver, with barely detectable expression in adult lung, liver, kidney, prostate, and peripheral leukocytes.
Cellular localization
- Nucleus
Alternative names
ASH2L1, ASH2L, Set1/Ash2 histone methyltransferase complex subunit ASH2, ASH2-like protein