EHMT2 (G9a)
Euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2), is also known as G9a, is a histone methyltransferase enzyme that in humans is encoded by the EHMT2 gene.
G9a catalyzes the mono- and di-methylated states of histone H3 at lysine residue 9 and lysine residue 27
Chromosome 6.
The protein encoded by this gene is is involved in intracellular protein-protein interaction.
G9a is an important control mechanism for epigenetic regulation within the nucleus accumbens (NAcc).
The reduction of G9a expression in the NAcc plays a central role in mediating the development of an addiction.
G9a opposes increases in ΔFosB expression and is suppressed by ΔFosB.
G9a exerts opposite effects to that of ΔFosB on drug-related behavior and synaptic remodeling in the nucleus accumbens.
G9a opposes ΔFosB’s function as well as increases in its expression.
G9a and ΔFosB share many similar gene targets.
G9a also plays a critical role in the development and the maintenance of neuropathic pain.
G9a regulates the expression of genes in the dorsal root ganglia, and reprograms the sensory neurons to a hyperexcitable state leading to mechanical pain hypersensitivity.