PHF2-mediated H3K9me balance orchestrates heterochromatin stability and progenitor proliferation in early neurogenesisPHF2-mediated H3K9me balance orchestrates heterochromatin stability and progenitor proliferation in early neurogenesis

ABSTRACT: Heterochromatin stability is crucial for progenitor proliferation during early neurogenesis. It relays on the maintenance of local hubs of H3K9me. However, the current understanding of the processes involved in the formation of efficient localized levels of H3K9me remains limited. To address this intriguing question, we used a neural stem cell (NSC) to analyze the function of the H3K9me2 demethylase PHF2, which is crucial for progenitor proliferation. Through mass spectroscopy and genome-wide assays, we uncovered that PHF2 interacts with heterochromatin components and it is enriched at pericentromeric heterochromatin (PcH) boundaries. This binding is essential for maintaining silenced the satellite repeats thereby preventing DNA damage and genome instability. Depletion of PHF2 led to increased transcription of heterochromatic repeats, accompanied by a decrease in H3K9me3 levels and alterations in PcH organization. Further analysis revealed that PHF2's PHD and catalytic domains are crucial for maintaining PcH stability and preventing unscheduled repeat transcription, thereby safeguarding genome integrity. These results highlight the multifaceted nature of PHF2's functions in maintaining heterochromatin stability and regulating gene expression during neural development. Altogether, our study unravels the intricate relationship between heterochromatin stability and progenitor proliferation during mammalian neurogenesis, shedding light on its potential as a therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders

INSTRUMENT(S): LTQ Orbitrap Velos Pro

ORGANISM(S): Mus Musculus (mouse)

TISSUE(S): Cell Culture, Neuronal Stem Cell

DISEASE(S): Disease Free

SUBMITTER: Samuel Aguirre Infantes  

LAB HEAD: Maria A, Martíbez-Balbás

PROVIDER: PXD051336 | Pride | 2024-06-11

REPOSITORIES: Pride