Hypoxia upregulates the histone demethylase JMJD1A via HIF-1.

The histone demethylase Jumonji domain containing 1A (JMJD1A) demethylates H3K9 residues and thereby transactivates distinct target genes. Investigating the effect of hypoxia on JMJD1A expression, we found increased JMJD1A mRNA in different organs of rats exposed to normobaric hypoxia (8% O(2)). Compared to adult samples, JMJD1A was increased in most tissues of human fetuses in whom oxygen supply is low compared to postnatal levels.