MeCP2: an epigenetic regulator of critical periods

Nathalie Picard; Michela Fagiolini

doi:10.1016/j.conb.2019.04.004

MeCP2: an epigenetic regulator of critical periods

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2019 Dec:59:95-101. doi: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.04.004. Epub 2019 Jun 1.

Authors

Nathalie Picard¹, Michela Fagiolini²

Affiliations

¹ FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States. Electronic address: nathalie.picard@childrens.harvard.edu.
² FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, United States; International Research Center for Neurointelligence, University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan. Electronic address: michela.fagiolini@childrens.harvard.edu.

PMID: 31163286
DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.04.004

Abstract

Complex adult behaviors arise from the integration of sequential and often overlapping critical periods (CPs) early in life and adolescence. These processes rely on a subtle interplay between the set of genes inherited from the parents, the surrounding environment and epigenetic regulation. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) has been shown to recognize epigenetic states and regulate gene expression by reading methylated DNA. Here, we will review the recent findings revealing the role of MeCP2 during postnatal CPs of development using mouse models of Rett (RTT) syndrome.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Epigenesis, Genetic
Humans
Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2
Mice
Rett Syndrome*

Substances

Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2