Reversible histone methylation regulates brain gene expression and behavior

Epigenetic chromatin remodeling, including reversible histone methylation, regulates gene transcription in brain development and synaptic plasticity. Aberrant chromatin modifications due to mutant chromatin enzymes or chemical exposures have been associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders such as mental retardation, schizophrenia, depression, and drug addiction. Some chromatin enzymes, such as histone demethylases JARID1C and UTX, are coded by X-linked genes which are not X-inactivated in females. The higher expression of JARID1C and UTX in females could contribute to sex differences in brain development and behavior.

Research Highlights
► A behavior is affected differently when different histone lysines are methylated.
► Histones are (de)methylated by brain region-specific enzymes at specific genes.
► Histone methylation recruits proteins to specific DNA sites for cellular functions.
► Environment affects the enzymatic activity and in turn histone methylation profiles.