Chromobox protein homolog 7 (CBX7)

Chromobox protein homolog 7 (CBX7) is a chromodomain-containing protein and a critical subunit of the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), acting as an epigenetic regulator of gene expression through recognition of trimethylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3)[1][2][3][6]. CBX7 represses transcription of important cell cycle regulators, including the INK4a/ARF tumor suppressor locus, and thus influences cell fate decisions such as stem cell renewal, differentiation, and senescence[2][5]. It is implicated in cancer biology, where altered expression or silencing (e.g., by promoter methylation) can contribute to malignant progression or resistance in tumors such as glioblastoma, prostate cancer, and lymphoma[4][5]. CBX7 is a promising therapeutic target, with small-molecule antagonists under development to relieve Polycomb-mediated transcriptional silencing and restore tumor suppressor activity[1][3][6]. Its activity and expression levels are being explored both as prognostic biomarkers and as intervention points in epigenetic cancer therapy[4].

Other names

Chromobox homolog 7CBX7PcC7Polycomb complex protein CBX7

Small molecule antagonists/inhibitors block CBX7 chromodomain binding to methylated histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), leading to de-repression of target tumor suppressor genes such as p16/CDKN2A and ARF[1][3][6].