Elongin BC and Polycomb repressive complex 2-associated protein (EPOP)

EPOP (Elongin BC and Polycomb repressive complex 2-associated protein) is a scaffold and chromatin-associated protein that bridges the PRC2/EZH2 and Elongin BC complexes, fine-tuning transcriptional regulation in embryonic stem cells and possibly other cell types[2]. It interacts directly with components of PRC2, Elongin BC, and the H2B deubiquitinase USP7, modulating both gene repression and activation, especially in regions of the genome with a balance of active and repressive chromatin marks[1][3]. EPOP is involved in the regulation of pluripotency, neuronal differentiation, and maintenance of stem cell identity. Overexpression of EPOP is linked to several human cancers and is associated with hyperproliferation and tumor progression, possibly making it a novel candidate for cancer therapy. To date, it is not a direct drug target, but its critical scaffolding role in epigenetic complexes makes it a subject of growing interest in cancer biology and stem cell research[1][3][2].

Other names

C17orf96PRR28Proline-rich protein 28esPRC2p48E130012A19RikLOC100170841EPOP_HUMANUncharacterized protein C17orf96

Not established for therapeutics; currently no drugs or inhibitors reported to directly target EPOP. Mechanistically, EPOP acts by scaffolding and regulating the activity of PRC2, Elongin BC, and USP7, affecting chromatin state and transcription[1][2][3].