EZH2 expression in the skin of developing human fetuses and adults: a comparative study
Abstract
Purpose: In animals, the appropriate levels of Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a well-established epigenetic regulator, are essential for the embryonic development of skin and appendages. We aimed to explore the EZH2 expression patterns in the skin of human fetuses and compare them with adults.
Materials and Methods: We performed EZH2 immunohistochemical staining in skin samples from the scalp region of 67 fetuses and from the farthest surgical margin of the lip wedge resection, where no lesions were found, of 23 adults. EZH2 scores were evaluated according to the literature.
Results: Epidermal (r = − 0.528), dermal (rs = − 0.509), and hair follicle (r = − 0.576) EZH2 scores were inversely correlated with gestational age. Epidermal and hair follicle EZH2 scores were significantly higher in adults compared to fetuses. There were significant and positive correlations between epidermal, dermal, and hair follicle EZH2 scores among fetuses and adults.
Conclusion: Lower levels of EZH2 may be necessary for final cutaneous differentiation and maturation before birth. Our findings may have a therapeutic impact on cutaneous disorders with differentiation defects, chronic wounds, and alopecias.
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