MeCP2:multifaceted roles in gene regulation and neural development

作     者：Tian-Lin Cheng Zilong Qiu 

作者机构：Institute of NeuroscienceShanghai Institutes for Biological SciencesChinese Academy of Sciences 

出 版 物：《Neuroscience Bulletin》 (神经科学通报（英文版）)

年 卷 期：2014年第30卷第4期

页      面：601-609页

核心收录：

学科分类：1002[医学-临床医学] 100204[医学-神经病学] 10[医学] 

基　　金：supported by the National Basic Research Development Program of China (2011CBA00400) the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Science,China (XDB02050400) 

主　　题：MeCP2 Rett syndrome central nervous system gene expression regulation post-translationalmodification post-transcriptional regulation glia 

摘      要：Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 （MeCP2） is a classic methylated-DNA-binding protein, dysfunctions of which lead to various neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Initially recognized as a transcriptional repressor, MeCP2 has been studied extensively and its functions have been expanded dramatically in the past two decades. Recently, it was found to be involved in gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level. MeCP2 represses nuclear microRNA processing by interacting directly with the Drosha/DGCR8 complex. In addition to its multifaceted functions, MeCP2 is remarkably modulated by post- translational modifications such as phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and acetylation, providing more regulatory dimensions to its functions. The role of MeCP2 in the central nervous system has been studied extensively, from neurons to glia. Future investigations combining molecular, cellular, and physiological methods are necessary for defining the roles of MeCP2 in the brain and developing efficient treatments for MeCP2-related brain disorders.