Nine mammalian AlkB homologues exist, ALKBH1-8 and FTO [, ]. Differently to other AlkB homologues, AlkB homologue 7 (ALKBH7) does not exhibit any demethylase activity in DNA or RNA []and its substrate is still unknown []. ALKBH7 is located in the mitochondrial matrix. It is a key protein for programmed necrosis and fat metabolism [, , ]. After agent-induced DNA-damage, it triggers the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and large-scale loss of mitochondrial function that lead to energy depletion and cellular demise [].
