An Activity-Mediated Transition in Transcription in Early Postnatal Neurons

Neuron. 2020 Sep 9;107(5):874-890.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.06.008. Epub 2020 Jun 25.

Abstract

The maturation of the mammalian brain occurs after birth, and this stage of neuronal development is frequently impaired in neurological disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. However, the mechanisms that regulate postnatal brain maturation are poorly defined. By purifying neuronal subpopulations across brain development in mice, we identify a postnatal switch in the transcriptional regulatory circuits that operates in the maturing mammalian brain. We show that this developmental transition includes the formation of hundreds of cell-type-specific neuronal enhancers that appear to be modulated by neuronal activity. Once selected, these enhancers are active throughout adulthood, suggesting that their formation in early life shapes neuronal identity and regulates mature brain function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / growth & development*
  • DNA Methylation / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic / physiology