Epigenetic and Transcriptional Regulation of the Reproductive Hypothalamus

During the last few years, new genes required for the advent of puberty have been identified thanks to the use of new deep sequencing associated technologies. Evidence has emerged suggesting that these genes, organized into functional networks, are regulated by a mechanism of epigenetic control. While the Polycomb group (PcG) of transcriptional repressors is in charge of the repressive arm of this mechanism, the Trithorax Group (TrxG) of epigenetic activators counteract the PcG-mediated silencing during the infantile to juvenile stage where increased Kiss1 expression is needed for activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion from the hypothalamus. Here we will discuss the recent advances and tools used for large-scale genomic and epigenomic studies of the developing hypothalamus.