Figure 7.

Model of the effect of HMGN-H1 interplay on Olig1&2 expressions. HMGN and H1 continuously compete for nucleosome binding sites (red and green arrows on the single nucleosome in the center). In WT cells (left) the presence of HMGNs reduced the binding of H1 thereby facilitating Olig1&2 expressions. In DKO cells (right) loss of HMGN enhances the binding of H1 thereby recruiting the PRC2 complex including its EZH2 histone methyltransferase, thus leading to increased levels of H3K27me3 and gene silencing at the Olig1&2 genomic loci. Reduced Olig1&2 expressions lead to impaired oligodendrocyte development, reduced myelination in the spinal cords, and altered mouse neurological behaviors.