Polycomb group (PcG) protein. Component 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. Also recognizes 'Lys-26' trimethylated histone H1 with the effect of inhibiting PRC2 complex methyltransferase activity on nucleosomal histone H3 'Lys-27', whereas H3 'Lys-27' recognition has the opposite effect, enabling the propagation of this repressive mark. 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 and CDKN2A.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Chromosome
Transiently colocalizes with XIST at inactive X chromosomes.
Expressed in brain, colon, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, ovary, peripheral blood leukocytes, pancreas, placenta, prostate, spleen, small intestine, testis, thymus and uterus. Appears to be overexpressed in breast and colon cancer.