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Polycomb repressor complex 2 function in breast cancer (Review)
Courtney J Martin1, Roger A Moorehead1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada.
Abstract:
Epigenetic modifications are important contributors to the regulation of genes within the chromatin. The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a multi‑subunit protein complex that is involved in silencing gene expression through the trimethylation of lysine 27 at histone 3 (H3K27me3). The dysregulation of this modification has been associated with tumorigenicity through the increased repression of tumour suppressor genes via condensing DNA to reduce access to the transcription start site (TSS) within tumor suppressor gene promoters. In the present review, the core proteins of PRC2, as well as key accessory proteins, will be described. In addition, mechanisms controlling the recruitment of the PRC2 complex to H3K27 will be outlined. Finally, literature identifying the role of PRC2 in breast cancer proliferation, apoptosis and migration, including the potential roles of long non‑coding RNAs and the miR‑200 family will be summarized as will the potential use of the PRC2 complex as a therapeutic target.
Insights
The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) epigenetically silences genes, and its dysregulation promotes cancer by repressing tumor suppressors. This review details PRC2
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression within chromatin.
- Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) silences genes via histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3).
- Dysregulated H3K27me3 is linked to tumorigenicity through tumor suppressor gene repression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the core and accessory proteins of the PRC2 complex.
- To outline mechanisms controlling PRC2 recruitment to H3K27.
- To summarize PRC2's role in breast cancer and its therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PRC2 function and regulation.
- Analysis of PRC2's role in breast cancer proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.
- Exploration of long non-coding RNAs and miR-200 family involvement.
Main Results:
- PRC2's core and accessory proteins are described.
- Mechanisms for PRC2 recruitment to H3K27 are outlined.
- PRC2's involvement in breast cancer progression and potential as a therapeutic target are discussed.
Conclusions:
- PRC2 plays a critical role in gene silencing and is implicated in breast cancer.
- Understanding PRC2 regulation and function is key to developing targeted cancer therapies.
- Long non-coding RNAs and the miR-200 family are potential regulators and therapeutic targets in conjunction with PRC2.
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