Abstract
Polycomb group proteins are a family of epigenetic regulators that modulate gene expression via post-translational histone modifications and subsequent changes to chromatin architecture. The expression of several Polycomb group proteins have been identified in the adult olfactory neuroepithelium, but their functional significance remain unknown. This project seeks to elucidate the contribution of two neuronal Polycomb group proteins, CBX8 and BMI1, to mechanisms of adult olfactory neuroepithelium maintenance and homeostasis, with a particular focus on olfactory neurogenesis and neuron survival.