Biological significance of EZH2 in uterine cancer

Change of gene expression profile by EZH2 silencing EZH2 is overexpressed in a number of malignancies, and is an attractive target for cancer treatment. The overexpression of EZH2 was significantly associated with disease free survival and overall survival of patients with ovarian cancer. EZH2 silencing resulted in decreased cell viability and invasion ability, and increased apoptosis. EZH2 silencing significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of paclitaxel, docetaxel and cisplatin in Hec-1A and Ishikawa cells. EZH2 silencing using siRNA incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles (siRNA/CH) resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth compared to control siRNA/CH. Moreover, EZH2 siRNA/CH in combination with taxanes showed robust anti-tumor effects compared to monotherapy groups. These effects were associated with decreased tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and increased tumor cell apoptosis. Genomic analyses revealed that EZH2 gene silencing resulted in decreased expression of many genes associated with tumor growth. Gene expression profile of EZH2 silencing by EZH2 siRNA compared with control siRNA in Hec-1A cells