Overexpression of enhancer of zests homolog 2 in lymphoma

Objective This article aimed to review the biological characteristics of enhancer of zests homolog 2 （EZH2）, and the transcriptional repression mechanism of action of EZH2 in tumors, particularly in the progression of lymphoma. Data sources The data cited in this review were mainly obtained from the articles listed in PubMed and HighWare that were published from March 2004 to April 2012. The search terms were ＂enhancer of zests homolog 2＂, ＂polycomb group＂, and ＂lymphoma＂. Study selection Articles regarding the mechanism of EZH2 in post-transcriptional modification, functions of polycomb group proteins, and the roles of EZH2 in lymphoma were selected. Results EZH2 acts as oncogene and involved in many kinds of tumors. Moreover, it plays an important role in tumorigenesis and lymphomagenesis by promoting the proliferation and aggressiveness of neoplastic cells, facilitating malignant tumor cell diffusion, and mediating transcriptional silencing. Conclusion EZH2 mediated transcriptional repression through its methyltransferase activity at the chromatin level has certain influence on lymphoma, and there might exist a therapeutic window for the development of new agents and identification of novel diagnostic markers based on EZH2.