The Role of EZH2 in Ocular Diseases: A Narrative Review

Abstract

EZH2, acting as a catalytic subunit of PRC2 to catalyze lysine 27 in histone H3, induces the suppression of gene expression. EZH2 can regulate cell proliferation and differentiation of retinal progenitors, which are required for physiological retinal development. Meanwhile, an abnormal level of EZH2 has been observed in ocular tumors and other pathological tissues. This review summarizes the current knowledge on EZH2 in retinal development and ocular diseases, including inherited retinal diseases, ocular tumors, corneal injury, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related retinal degeneration. We highlight the potential of targeting EZH2 as a precision therapeutic target in ocular diseases.

Plain language summary

EZH2 is a protein that helps to regulate the activity of genes in cells. It works as a part of a complex called PRC2 to control a chemical group called lysine 27 in histone H3 and then inhibit the expression of genes. EZH2 is important for the normal development of the retina. Abnormal levels of EZH2 are associated with various eye diseases. This review summarizes the role of EZH2 in different ocular diseases and the potential mechanisms. Targeting EZH2 may be a novel way to treat or prevent ocular diseases.

Tweetable abstract

Review discussing the role of EZH2 in retinal development and ocular diseases to highlight the potential of EZH2 as a precision therapeutic target for treating ocular diseases.

Keywords::

• age-related retinal degeneration
• cataract
• corneal injury
• diabetic retinopathy
• EZH2
• glaucoma
• inherited retinal diseases
• ocular diseases
• ocular tumors
• retinal development

Conceptualization: J Yam. Writing (original draft preparation): Y Peng, C Bui and X Zhang. Writing (review and editing): C Bui, J Chen, C Tham, W Chu, L Chen, C Pang and J Yam. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This study was supported in part by the CUHK Jockey Club Children’s Eye Care Programme; the CUHK Jockey Club Myopia Prevention Programme; and Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), Hong Kong (07180306 and PR-HKCH-8). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported in part by the CUHK Jockey Club Children’s Eye Care Programme; the CUHK Jockey Club Myopia Prevention Programme; and Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF), Hong Kong (07180306 and PR-HKCH-8). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.