Polycomb group (PcG) protein. Catalytic subunit of the PRC2/EED-EZH2 complex, which methylates 'Lys-9' and 'Lys-27' of histone H3, leading to transcriptional repression of the affected target gene. Able to mono-, di- and trimethylate 'Lys-27' of histone H3 to form H3K27me1, H3K27me2 and H3K27me3, respectively. Compared to EZH2-containing complexes, it is more abundant in embryonic stem cells and plays a major role in forming H3K27me3, which is required for embryonic stem cell identity and proper differentiation. The PRC2/EED-EZH2 complex may also serve as a recruiting platform for DNA methyltransferases, thereby linking two epigenetic repression systems. Genes repressed by the PRC2/EED-EZH2 complex include HOXC8, HOXA9, MYT1, CDKN2A and retinoic acid target genes.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Human Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH2
Binds ATRX via the SET domain (Probable). Component of the PRC2/EED-EZH2 complex, which includes EED, EZH2, SUZ12, RBBP4 and RBBP7 and possibly AEBP2. The minimum components required for methyltransferase activity of the PRC2/EED-EZH2 complex are EED, EZH2 and SUZ12. The PRC2 complex may also interact with DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B and PHF1 via the EZH2 subunit and with SIRT1 via the SUZ12 subunit. Interacts with HDAC1 and HDAC2. Interacts with PRAME.