Emerging role of EZH2 in solid tumor metastasis

Abstract

Cancer cells experience multiple reversible changes during their metastatic spread. Epigenetic reprogramming, being reversible, has emerged as a critical driver of cancer metastasis. Epigenetic modulator Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an important candidate for such reprogramming events. Both EZH2 protein and its catalytic function (H3K27me3) have been shown to promote solid tumor metastasis, although EZH2 functional inhibition has limited impact on primary tumor growth in some cancers. The dichotomous gene regulatory roles of EZH2 and H3K27me3 are currently being investigated to understand how they collectively contribute to promote metastasis. Here, we examine the multifaceted role of EZH2 in modulating solid tumor metastasis and its therapeutic potential.