The histone demethylase PHF8 regulates astrocyte differentiation and function

Abstract

Astrocyte differentiation; Chromatin transcription; Synapse

Diferenciación de astrocitos; Transcripción de la cromatina; Sinapsis

Diferenciació d'astròcits; Transcripció de la cromatina; Sinapsi

Epigenetic factors have been shown to play a crucial role in X-linked intellectual disability (XLID). Here, we investigate the contribution of the XLID-associated histone demethylase PHF8 to astrocyte differentiation and function. Using genome-wide analyses and biochemical assays in mouse astrocytic cultures, we reveal a regulatory crosstalk between PHF8 and the Notch signaling pathway that balances the expression of the master astrocytic gene Nfia. Moreover, PHF8 regulates key synaptic genes in astrocytes by maintaining low levels of H4K20me3. Accordingly, astrocytic-PHF8 depletion has a striking effect on neuronal synapse formation and maturation in vitro. These data reveal that PHF8 is crucial in astrocyte development to maintain chromatin homeostasis and limit heterochromatin formation at synaptogenic genes. Our studies provide insights into the involvement of epigenetics in intellectual disability.

This study was supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy (Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España; BFU2015-69248-P and PGC2018-096082-B-I00 to M.A.M.-B.) and Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2019-111217RB-I00 to X.C) and a Travelling Fellowship from Boehringer Ingelheim to S.I. Open access funding provided by Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. Deposited in PMC for immediate release.