Histone demethylase that specifically demethylates 'Lys-27' of histone H3, thereby playing a central role in histone code ( ). Demethylates trimethylated and dimethylated but not monomethylated H3 'Lys-27' ( ). Plays a central role in regulation of posterior development, by regulating HOX gene expression . Demethylation of 'Lys-27' of histone H3 is concomitant with methylation of 'Lys-4' of histone H3, and regulates the recruitment of the PRC1 complex and monoubiquitination of histone H2A . Plays a demethylase-independent role in chromatin remodeling to regulate T-box family member-dependent gene expression (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Nucleus