Expression of EZH2 in the Skin of Developing Human Fetuses and Adults: A Comparative Study

The study investigated the expression patterns of Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), an epigenetic regulator, in the skin of 67 human fetuses and compared them with those in 23 adults. EZH2 immunohistochemical staining was performed on skin samples from the scalp region of fetuses and from the lip wedge resection of adults. The results showed that EZH2 expression in the epidermis, dermis, and hair follicles was inversely correlated with gestational age, meaning that as the fetuses developed, EZH2 levels decreased. In adults, EZH2 scores were significantly higher in the epidermis and hair follicles compared to fetuses. The study concluded that lower levels of EZH2 might be necessary for skin differentiation and maturation before birth, and these findings could have implications for treating skin disorders, chronic wounds, and alopecias.