Histone methyltransferases SMYD2: the potential pharmacological target on cancers and aging-related diseases treatment

In epigenetic research, abnormalities in protein methylation modifications are closely related to the development of various diseases. The protein lysine methyltransferase SMYD2 has been extensively studied in cancer and age-related diseases due to its broad substrate specificity. However, SMYD2 as a promising small molecule inhibitor target, the biological functions have not been fully elucidated, and reports on related inhibitors are limited. Here, we will focus on studies about the mechanisms of SMYD2 on the treatment for different cancers and aging-related diseases and clarify the specific SMYD2 inhibitors' effects on different diseases. Moreover, we will also briefly discuss the contradiction points in existing studies, provide novel ideas about further study on SMYD2 structure and inhibitor development and finally, discuss the new aspects in further studies of SMYD2. Hopefully, this review stimulates new ideas in drug development for the treatment of cancer and aging-related diseases, maximizes human life, and benefit society.