MeCP2 links heterochromatin condensates and neurodevelopmental disease.

ABSTRACT: Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a key component of constitutive heterochromatin, which is crucial for chromosome maintenance and transcriptional silencing^1-3. Mutations in the MECP2 gene cause the progressive neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome^3-5, which is associated with severe mental disability and autism-like symptoms that affect girls during early childhood. Although previously thought to be a dense and relatively static structure^1,2, heterochromatin is now understood to exhibit properties consistent with a liquid-like condensate^6,7. Here we show that MeCP2 is a dynamic component of heterochromatin condensates in cells, and is stimulated by DNA to form liquid-like condensates. MeCP2 contains several domains that contribute to t

SUBMITTER: Li CH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7735819 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature