PRMT1 in Health and Disease: Emerging Perspectives From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) serves as a critical epigenetic modulator involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies have established its fundamental roles in essential cellular mechanisms such as DNA repair, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction. Dysregulation of PRMT1 has been further associated with the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and immune dysfunction. However, a systematic synthesis of the multifaceted functions of PRMT1 across these diverse pathological contexts remains lacking. This review seeks to address this gap by comprehensively examining the molecular mechanisms, biological functions, and context-dependent roles of PRMT1. We integrate recent advances spanning multiple disease domains, with a particular focus on cancer, chronic liver diseases, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and immune-related pathologies. In addition, we elucidate the mechanistic links between PRMT1 dysregulation and disease pathogenesis. Further, the development and clinical potential of small-molecule inhibitors are also summarized. This review offers new perspectives on PRMT1-related disease mechanisms and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of targeted therapies. Ultimately, this review aims to contribute to the progression of precision medicine and the enhancement of global health outcomes.