A PRC2-independent function for EZH2 in regulating rRNA 2'-O methylation and IRES-dependent translation

Nat Cell Biol. 2021 Apr;23(4):341-354. doi: 10.1038/s41556-021-00653-6. Epub 2021 Apr 1.

Abstract

Dysregulated translation is a common feature of cancer. Uncovering its governing factors and underlying mechanism are important for cancer therapy. Here, we report that enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2), previously known as a transcription repressor and lysine methyltransferase, can directly interact with fibrillarin (FBL) to exert its role in translational regulation. We demonstrate that EZH2 enhances rRNA 2'-O methylation via its direct interaction with FBL. Mechanistically, EZH2 strengthens the FBL-NOP56 interaction and facilitates the assembly of box C/D small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein. Strikingly, EZH2 deficiency impairs the translation process globally and reduces internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent translation initiation in cancer cells. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized role of EZH2 in cancer-related translational regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics*
  • DNA Methylation / genetics
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genes, rRNA / genetics
  • Humans
  • Internal Ribosome Entry Sites / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Protein Binding / genetics
  • Protein Biosynthesis / genetics
  • Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nucleolar / genetics

Substances

  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Internal Ribosome Entry Sites
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • NOP56 protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Ribonucleoproteins, Small Nucleolar
  • fibrillarin
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein