EZH2 : enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit

The EZH2 Gene: A Key Player in Cell Fate and Disease

Description:

The EZH2 gene encodes an enzyme called EZH2, a type of histone methyltransferase. Histones are proteins that package DNA into compact structures within the nucleus. EZH2 adds a methyl group (CH3) to specific amino acids on histones, altering their structure and suppressing gene expression.

Associated Diseases:

EZH2 plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth and differentiation. Mutations in the EZH2 gene can lead to various cancers, including:

• Lymphoma
• Myeloid leukemia
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer

In these cancers, EZH2 mutations result in excessive gene suppression, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation.

Did you Know ?

Approximately 7% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and 12% of metastatic prostate cancers harbor EZH2 mutations.