Component of the Set-2/Ash-2 histone methyltransferase (HMT) complex. Required for di- and trimethylation at Lys-4 of histone H3, a mark associated with epigenetic transcriptional activation. Implicated in the epigenetic inheritance of lifespan over several generations. Functions as a transcriptional regulator. Acts in the germline to limit soma longevity, probably by regulating a lipid metabolism pathway that signals from the germline to the intestine, thereby preventing accumulation of mono-unsaturated fatty acids.

References:

Koide et al. The expression of proprotein convertase PACE4 is highly regulated by Hash-2 in placenta: Possible role for placenta-specific basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, human achaete-scute homologue-2. J. Biochem. 134. 433-440.