Coordinated activities of EZH2 and EZH1 are essential for neurogenesis

Polycomb group proteins (PcG) are well known by their function in the regulation of developmental processes. PcG mediated regulation of genetic programs required for proper development are triggered by EZH2 H3K27 methyltransferase activity. EZH1 can partially substitute EZH2 activity. However, unlike EZH2, EZH1 is presence in differentiated and adult tissues suggesting additional biological functions. Here we show that EZH2 is predominantly expressed in neural stem cells being essential for neural stem cells self renewal and homeostasis. There, it controls the transcriptional state of cell cycle regulators, such as CIP1. But it is also necessary to regulate genes involved in surveillance and neuroepithelial polarity. In contrast, EZH1 expression is more abundant in differentiated cells within the spinal cord and its downregulation unables neural stem cells to differentiate. All together our data reveal a complementary but non-redundant role of EZH2 and EZH1 in neurogenesis.

6

Akizu N, García MA, Estarás C, Fueyo R, Badosa C, de la Cruz X, Martínez-Balbás MA