Epigenetic Modulation by PRC2: Implications for Immune Regulation and Prognostic Outcomes in Breast Cancer

Purpose Overexpression of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is commonly expressed in various malignancies, often correlating with unfavorable prognoses and indicating its potential as a therapeutic target.This study aimed to elucidate the comprehensive role of PRC2, especially in the context of breast cancer (BRCA), examining its association with the cell cycle and its implications within the tumor immune microenvironment. Methods Utilizing a comprehensive approach, we evaluated the levels of the primary components of PRC2, composed of EZH2, SUZ12, and EED. By employing Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), we integrated these expression profiles. We introduced a cumulative representation known as the PRC2 complex score to assess the collective impact of these proteins in BRCA. Results Analysis revealed a pronounced increase in PRC2 expression in BRCA tissues compared to their normal counterparts. Intriguingly, this heightened expression was not uniform across all BRCA subtypes, hinting at subtype-specific or regulatory patterns for PRC2. Additionally, a pivotal role for the PRC2 complex in cell cycle advancement was observed, suggesting its involvement in promoting cell proliferation. A noteworthy association was also discerned between the PRC2 complex and immune cell dynamics, highlighting its potential in shaping the immunological landscape within BRCA. Conclusion Our findings underscore the potential of the PRC2 complex as a pivotal biomarker in the progression of BRCA. The intricate role it plays in the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly its influence on Th2 cell regulation, opens new avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies.