A moment's pause: putative nucleosome-based influences on MeCP2 regulation

Biochem Cell Biol. 2009 Oct;87(5):791-8. doi: 10.1139/O09-054.

Abstract

There has been a hotbed of activity surrounding MeCP2 research in the past number of years. Despite better characterizing the functions and nature of this protein, it has become abundantly clear that MeCP2 is involved in far more complex activities than perhaps initially anticipated. Recent publications have shown that MeCP2 is dynamically post-translationally modified, and it is possible that these marks permit MeCP2 to inhabit very diverse chromatin environments. It is also of interest to consider how nucleosome composition differs in these varying chromatin regions, and how the chromatin template itself contributes to diversifying the regulatory roles of MeCP2. These will be critical points to examine when seeking to understand how MeCP2 behaviour differentiates in tissues other than the brain. By understanding the chromatin and (or) tissue context in which MeCP2 interacts, it may be possible to discern the specific etiology of diseases linked to MeCP2 dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / metabolism
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / physiology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Nucleosomes / chemistry
  • Nucleosomes / genetics
  • Nucleosomes / metabolism
  • Nucleosomes / physiology*
  • Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid / genetics
  • Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid / physiology
  • Rett Syndrome / genetics
  • Rett Syndrome / metabolism
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2
  • Nucleosomes