Epigenetic regulation of neural stem cells: the emerging role of nucleoporins

Cartoon illustrating the contribution of Nups to epigenetic mechanisms in stem cells. 1) Transcription. 2) Heterochromatin formation. 3) Silencing. 4) Topological associated domain formation. 5) miRNA biogenesis and transport 6) Protein SUMOylation. AbstractNucleoporins (Nups) are components of the nuclear pore complex that, besides regulating nucleus-cytoplasmic transport, emerged as a hub for chromatin interaction and gene expression modulation. Specifically, Nups act in a dynamic manner both at specific gene level and in the topological organization of chromatin domains. As such, they play a fundamental role during development and determination of stemness/differentiation balance in stem cells. An increasing number of reports indicate the implication of Nups in many central nervous system functions with great impact on neurogenesis, neurophysiology and neurological disorders. Nevertheless, the role of Nup-mediated epigenetic regulation in embryonic and adult neural stem cells (NSCs) is a field largely unexplored and the comprehension of their mechanisms of action is only beginning to be unveiled. After a brief overview of epigenetic mechanisms, we will present and discuss the emerging role of Nups as new effectors of neuroepigenetics and as dynamic platform for chromatin function with specific reference to the biology of NSCs.© AlphaMed Press 2021Significance StatementAdult neurogenesis supports brain function by providing new neurons for tissue homeostasis and memory pro...
Source: Stem Cells - Category: Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Stem Cell Technology: Epigenetics, Genomics, Proteomics and Metabonomics Source Type: research