title: Gene silencing by the Polycomb group proteins and associations with cancer.
abstract: Cancer not only is associated with inherited genetic sequences but also results from epigenetic changes. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying epigenetic modifications is important for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. There is much evidence showing that some Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are abnormally expressed in certain tumors. This review addresses biological functions and biochemical behaviors of the Polycomb repression complex proteins, including their enzymatic activities. Additionally, the potential mechanisms of PcG gene silencing by PcG and its link to cancers are summarized that will shed light on this novel area of study in cancer.
authors.affiliation: Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, School of Medicine Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Yan-Wei
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Hui-Min
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Jing-Yuan
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Fang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics*; D020868:Gene Silencing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D063146:Polycomb-Group Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins