EPZ-719 is primarily utilized in the field of cancer research, particularly in the study of epigenetic regulation. It functions as a potent and selective inhibitor of the EZH2 enzyme, which is a key component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2). By inhibiting EZH2, EPZ-719 disrupts the methylation of histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27me3), a modification associated with gene silencing. This action helps in reactivating tumor suppressor genes that are often silenced in various cancers, making it a valuable tool in understanding and potentially treating malignancies such as lymphoma, leukemia, and certain solid tumors. Researchers use EPZ-719 to explore its therapeutic potential and to study the role of EZH2 in cancer progression and epigenetics.