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Beyond oncogenesis: The emerging role of EZH2 in tumor microenvironment.

Jana Hamad·Nour Elein Tarabain·Fatima Soufan·Mohammad Fayyad-Kazan·Nervana Issa·Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
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Abstract

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase and the catalytic component of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, facilitates epigenetic modifications via the repressive H3K27me3 mark, consequently modulating the expression of numerous genes implicated in cellular proliferation and survival. Overexpression or dysregulation of EZH2 has been observed extensively across several malignancies, where it plays a major role in shaping the tumor microenvironment, promoting angiogenesis, cytokine secretion, and matrix remodeling. EZH2 mediates immune evasion, particularly in response to immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade. These interactions also position EZH2 as a key mediator of therapy resistance to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of EZH2's function and its interactions within the TME and during cancer progression is crucial. This review aims to enhance the current understanding of EZH2 and its roles in the TME, cancer development, and therapeutic responses. This review will discuss the canonical and non-canonical functions of EZH2, summarize its established and evolving roles in cancer and the TME, and highlight its effects on tumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy.

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HumansEnhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 ProteinTumor MicroenvironmentNeoplasmsAnimalsEpigenesis, GeneticGene Expression Regulation, NeoplasticCarcinogenesisEZH2Epigenetic modificationH3K27me3Immune evasionTherapy resistanceTumor microenvironmentJournal ArticleReview

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Jana Hamad, Nour Elein Tarabain, Fatima Soufan, Mohammad Fayyad-Kazan, Nervana Issa, Hussein Fayyad-Kazan. 2026-06-30. Beyond oncogenesis: The emerging role of EZH2 in tumor microenvironment.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2026.105454

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