JMJD1A/JHDM2A is a member of the jumonji (jmj) domain containing gene family of histone demethylases that plays a role in the regulation of chromatin dynamics and influences transcriptional activation and suppression. JMJD1A/JHDM2A specifically demethylates mono- and dimethyl-histone 3 lysine 9. Demethylation of histones by JMJD1A has been shown to facilitate transcriptional activation by the androgen receptor and promote transcription of smooth muscle cell differentiation marker.