Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
The Multiple Facets of PRC2 Alterations in Cancers
1Institut Curie, PSL Research University, - 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France; INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, Paris, France, 75005.
Abstract:
Genome sequencing of large cohorts of tumors has revealed that mutations in genes encoding chromatin regulators are frequent in cancer. However, the precise contribution of these mutations to tumor development often remains elusive. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning the alterations of the Polycomb machinery in cancer, with a particular focus on the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), a key chromatin modifier involved in the maintenance of transcriptional silencing. A broad variety of alterations can impair PRC2 activity; yet, overall, only one type of alteration is found in a given class of tumor. We discuss the potential impact of the various types of PRC2 alterations on gene expression. We propose that the distinct set of genes regulated by PRC2, depending on tumor etiology, constrain the type of alteration of PRC2 that can fuel tumor development. Beyond this specificity, we propose that PRC2 and, more generally, chromatin regulators act as gatekeepers of transcriptional integrity, a role that often confers a tumor-suppressive function.
Insights
Mutations in chromatin regulators like Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are common in cancer. Specific PRC2 alterations fuel tumor development by impacting gene expression, suggesting a tumor-suppressive role for these regulators.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mutations in chromatin regulators are frequent in cancer.
- The role of these mutations in tumor development is often unclear.
- The Polycomb machinery, particularly Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is crucial for transcriptional silencing.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review current knowledge on Polycomb machinery alterations in cancer.
- Focus on Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) alterations and their impact.
- Explore how PRC2 alterations affect gene expression and tumor development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Polycomb machinery and cancer.
- Analysis of PRC2 alterations across different tumor types.
- Discussion of the impact of PRC2 alterations on gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- A variety of alterations can impair PRC2 activity.
- Specific tumor classes exhibit only one type of PRC2 alteration.
- PRC2 alterations influence distinct sets of genes based on tumor origin.
Conclusions:
- PRC2 alterations are constrained by tumor-specific gene regulation.
- PRC2 and chromatin regulators act as gatekeepers of transcriptional integrity.
- These regulators often possess a tumor-suppressive function.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
01:06Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
01:30Alterations in Blood Pressure
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
01:49Multiple Allele Traits
01:25Multiple Regression
Farmers can use multiple regression to determine the crop yield based on more than one factor, such as water availability, fertilizer, soil properties, etc. Here, the crop yield is the response or dependent variable as it depends on the other independent variables. The analysis requires the construction of a scatter plot...
01:25Multiple Voltage Sources
In series, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of another battery. Hence, the voltage of each battery is added to give the net voltage, which is increased because each battery boosts the electrons that enter it. The same current flows through each battery because they are connected in series.
Batteries are...