The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of EZH2 in breast cancer

Life Sci. 2021 Dec 1:286:120047. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120047. Epub 2021 Oct 13.

Abstract

Due to its high occurrence and mortality rate, breast cancer has been studied from various aspects as one of the cancer field's hot topics in the last decade. Epigenetic alterations are spoused to be highly effective in breast cancer development. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an enzymatic epi-protein that takes part in most vital cell functions by its different action modes. EZH2 is suggested to be dysregulated in specific breast cancer types, particularly in advanced stages. Mounting evidence revealed that EZH2 overexpression or dysfunction affects the pathophysiology of breast cancer. In this review, we discuss biological aspects of the EZH2 molecule with a focus on its newly identified action mechanisms. We also highlight how EZH2 plays an essential role in breast cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and invasion, which emerged as a worthy target for treating breast cancer in different approaches.

Keywords: Breast cancer; EZH2; Targeted-therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein / genetics
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein / metabolism*
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein / physiology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / pathology

Substances

  • Histones
  • DNA
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein