Enhancer of Zeste 2 as a marker of preneoplastic progression in the breast

Cancer Res. 2006 Oct 1;66(19):9352-5. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-2384.

Abstract

Amplification of the Polycomb group transcriptional repressor Enhancer of Zeste 2 (EZH2) occurs in various malignancies including breast cancer, where its overexpression is associated with poor outcome. We found that EZH2 is up-regulated in ductal carcinoma in situ, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and even morphologically normal breast epithelial cells from women who have an increased risk of breast cancer. This review discusses how EZH2 may promote neoplastic conversion and it surveys the evidence suggesting that EZH2 may offer a clinical tool to help identify patients at risk for developing breast cancer before precursor lesions are histologically evident.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Breast Diseases / genetics
  • Breast Diseases / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / prevention & control
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating / metabolism
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease / genetics
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
  • Precancerous Conditions / genetics
  • Precancerous Conditions / metabolism*
  • Prognosis
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • EZH2 protein, human
  • Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
  • Polycomb Repressive Complex 2