Epigenetic modification in gliomas: role of the histone methyltransferase EZH2

Abstract

Introduction: Gliomas are characterized by increased anaplasia, malignization, proliferation and invasion. They exhibit high resistance to standard treatment with combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. They are currently the most common primary malignancy tumors in the brain that is related to a high mortality rate. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that EZH2 is involved in a number of glioma cell processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and angiogenesis.

Areas covered: In this review, we emphasize the role of EZH2 in gliomas. We also address that EZH2 interacting with DNA methylation mediates transcriptional repression of specific genes in gliomas, and the regulation of EZH2 by microRNAs in gliomas.

Expert opinion: Although the exact role of EZH2 in gliomas has not been fully elucidated, to understand the role of EZH2 proteins in epigenetic modification will provide valuable insights into the causes of gliomas, and pave the way to the potential future applications of EZH2 in the treatment of gliomas.

Keywords: EZH2; glioma; methylation; microRNAs.