EZH2
EZH2
EZH2 (pronounced "E-Z-H-two"), also known as Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2, is a gene that encodes a member of the Polycomb-group (PcG) family. The PcG family has been shown to play a critical role in cancer, epigenetics, and cell differentiation.
Etymology
The name EZH2 stands for "Enhancer of Zeste 2 Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit". The term "Zeste" is derived from a Drosophila gene, which was found to enhance the expression of the white gene in combination with other mutations. The number "2" indicates that it is the second identified member of this gene family.
Function
EZH2 is part of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2), which functions in the methylation of Histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27), leading to transcriptional repression of the affected target gene. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular differentiation and preventing oncogenesis.
Clinical Significance
Mutations in EZH2 are associated with several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. EZH2 inhibitors are currently being investigated as potential cancer therapeutics.
Related Terms
- Polycomb-group
- Epigenetics
- Cell differentiation
- Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
- Histone H3
- Cellular differentiation
- Oncogenesis
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on EZH2
- Wikipedia's article - EZH2
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