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Polycomb group proteins in cancer: multifaceted functions and strategies for modulation

Sijie Wang1, Sandra C Ordonez-Rubiano1, Alisha Dhiman1

  • 1Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 201 S. University St., West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA.

NAR Cancer
|October 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) regulate gene expression and development. Understanding their diverse functions and mis-regulation in cancer is key to developing new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) are crucial protein complexes regulating gene expression and cell identity.
  • PRCs are broadly classified into PRC1 (histone ubiquitin ligase activity) and PRC2 (histone methyltransferase activity).
  • Dysregulation of PRCs is frequently observed in various cancers, highlighting their role in tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of how individual and combined PRCs establish and maintain gene repression.
  • To elucidate the biochemical roles of specific PRC subunits.
  • To explore the mis-regulation of PRC function in cancer and current therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on Polycomb repressive complexes.
  • Analysis of biochemical mechanisms underlying PRC-mediated gene repression.
  • Examination of PRC involvement in cancer development and progression.

Main Results:

  • PRCs act individually and collaboratively to control gene expression patterns.
  • Specific PRC subunits contribute distinct biochemical functions to repression.
  • Altered PRC activity is a common feature in cancer, impacting cell fate and proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • Further mechanistic insights into PRC function and cancer-specific roles are needed.
  • Targeting PRC activity presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapies.
  • Understanding PRC subunit contributions can refine therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

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