Histone H3 lysine methylation in cognition and intellectual disability disorders

Abstract

Recent research indicates that epigenetic mechanisms and, in particular, the post-translational modification (PTM) of histones may contribute to memory encoding and storage. Among the dozens of possible histone PTMs, the methylation/demethylation of lysines in the N-terminal tail of histone H3 exhibits particularly strong links with cognitive abilities. First, the persistence and tight association with distinct transcriptional states of the gene make these modifications particularly suitable for being part of the molecular underpinnings of memory storage. Second, correlative evidence indicates that the methylation/demethylation of lysines in histone H3 is actively regulated during memory processes. Third, several enzymes regulating these PTMs are associated with intellectual disability disorders. We review here these three lines of evidence and discuss the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms centered on the methylation of lysine residues on histone H3 in neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability.