This gene is a member of the Jumonji domain 2 (JMJD2) family and encodes a protein with one JmjC domain, one JmjN domain, two PHD-type zinc fingers, and two Tudor domains. This nuclear protein functions as a trimethylation-specific demethylase, converting specific trimethylated histone residues to the dimethylated form. Chromosomal aberrations and increased transcriptional expression of this gene are associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.