Figure 2

Epigenetic regulators of the adult hippocampal neurogenic process. The adult hippocampal neurogenic process is subjected to a complex epigenetic regulation, with important functional implications. Different types of epigenetic regulators have been identified, including PcG and TrxG protein complexes, MBDI, the REST/CoREST complex, MeCP2, HDACs, HATs and DNMTs, specifically involved in the fine tunning of the proliferation and specification of neural progenitors, as in the differentiation and maturation of the newborn neurons. Epigenetic regulators, such as the PcG protein Bmi1 and the methyl-binding protein MBD1 are involved in the regulation of the initial steps of neurogenesis, participating in NSCs self-renewal and maintenance. Later on the neurogenic process, the transcriptional activation of specific gene batteries by TrxG proteins like Mll1, together with the action of chromatin remodeling complexes such as the REST/CoREST complex and its molecular partners will allow the progenitor cells to exit the proliferation cycle and become committed to a neural cell lineage. Finally, the action of regulators such as MeCP2, will contribute to post-mitotic neuronal differentiation and maturation. Some epigenetic regulators, such as HDACs, HATs and DNMTs are involved in several regulatory checkpoints of the adult neurogenic process, integrating several protein regulatory complexes involved in the transcriptional activation of pro-neurogenic genes.