Deciphering the Epigenetic Code of Embryonic Neurogenesis

Mammalian cortical development is a multifaceted process that is under the control of precise transcriptional programs. During embryonic neurogenesis, neural progenitor cells undergo defined steps of differentiation to generate functional neurons at distinct stages of development. It is becoming increasingly clear that epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and noncoding RNAs, play critical roles in specifying and maintaining cell-fates during neurogenesis. Furthermore, these mechanisms function in concert with each other and with sequence-specific transcription factors, emphasizing the collaboration between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in driving neuronal fate. In this chapter, a comprehensive overview is provided of the epigenetic layers that underlie neurogenesis, along with prospective for future challenges in this exciting field. Keywords: histones; chromatin; post-translational modification of histones; DNA methylation; noncoding RNA; epigenetics; corticogenesis; neural progenitors; neurons