G9a-mediated histone methylation regulates ethanol-induced neurodegeneration in the neonatal mouse brain

► Ethanol treatment at P7 induces apoptotic pattern described for binge model of FASD. ► Results in enhanced G9a expression and increased H3K9me2 and H3K27me2/H3 ratios ► Leads to H3K9me2 specific degradation of H3 proteins by activated caspase-3 ► Blockade of G9a before ethanol exposure rescues H3K9me2, H3K27me2 and H3 levels. ► Bix 01294 prevents neurodegeneration and may have a clinical potential against FASD.