Mecp2 organizes juvenile social behavior in a sex-specific manner.
Mecp2 organizes juvenile social behavior in a sex-specific manner.
复制标题
DOI：
10.1523/jneurosci.1345-08.2008
复制
发表时间：
2008-07-09
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
Auger AP
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Kurian JR;Bychowski ME;Forbes-Lorman RM;Auger CJ;Auger AP
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) binds methylated DNA and recruits co-repressor proteins to modify chromatin and alter gene transcription. Mutations of the MECP2 gene can cause Rett syndrome (RTT), while subtle reductions of MeCP2 expression may be associated with male dominated social and neurodevelopmental disorders. We report that transiently decreased amygdala Mecp2 expression during a sensitive period of brain sexual differentiation disrupts the organization of sex differences in juvenile social play behavior. Interestingly, neonatal treatment with Mecp2 siRNA within the developing amygdala reduced juvenile social play behavior in males but not females. Reduced Mecp2 expression did not change juvenile sociability or anxiety-like behavior, suggesting this disruption is associated with subtle behavioral modification. This suggests Mecp2 may have an overlooked role in the organization of sexually dimorphic behaviors and that male juvenile behavior is particularly sensitive to Mecp2 disruption during this period of development.
