The 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) Reader UHRF2 Is Required for Normal Levels of 5hmC in Mouse Adult Brain and Spatial Learning and Memory

Abstract

UHRF2 has been implicated as a novel regulator for both DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC), but its physiological function and role in DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation are unknown. Here we show that in mice, UHRF2 is more abundantly expressed in the brain and a few other tissues. <i>Uhrf2</i> knock-out mice are viable and fertile and exhibit no gross defect. Although there is no significant change of DNA methylation, the <i>Uhrf2</i> null mice exhibit a reduction of 5hmC in the brain, including the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the <i>Uhrf2</i> null mice exhibit a partial impairment in spatial memory acquisition and retention. Consistent with the phenotype, gene expression profiling uncovers a role for UHRF2 in regulating neuron-related gene expression. Finally, we provide evidence that UHRF2 binds 5hmC in cells but does not appear to affect the TET1 enzymatic activity. Together, our study supports UHRF2 as a <i>bona fide</i> 5hmC reader and further demonstrates a role for 5hmC in neuronal function.