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Abstract
Precise temporal and spatial control of gene expression is essential for brain development.
Besides DNA sequence-specific transcription factors, epigenetic factors play an integral
role in the control of gene expression in neurons. Among epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin
remodeling enzymes have emerged as essential to the control of neural circuit assembly
and function in the brain. Here, we review recent studies on the roles and mechanisms
of the chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding (Chd) family of chromatin remodeling enzymes
in the regulation of neuronal morphogenesis and connectivity in the mammalian brain.
We explore the field through the lens of Chd3, Chd4, and Chd5 proteins, which incorporate
into the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, and the related proteins
Chd7 and Chd8, implicated in the pathogenesis of intellectual disability and autism
spectrum disorders. These studies have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms
that regulate neuronal connectivity in brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders
of cognition.