References
Query Results -- Details
MGI Accession ID: MGI:3826734
J Number: J:143360
Other Accession IDs:
Title: Deletion of Mecp2 in Sim1-expressing neurons reveals a critical role for MeCP2 in feeding behavior, aggression, and the response to stress.
Authors: Fyffe SL; Neul JL; Samaco RC; Chao HT; Ben-Shachar S; Moretti P; McGill BE; Goulding EH; Sullivan E; Tecott LH; Zoghbi HY
Journal: Neuron
Volume: 59
Issue: 6
Date: 2008 Sep 25
Year: 2008
Pages: 947-58
Review Status: Peer Reviewed
Abstract:
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is an autism spectrum disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). In order to map the neuroanatomic origins of the complex neuropsychiatric behaviors observed in patients with RTT and to uncover endogenous functions of MeCP2 in the hypothalamus, we removed Mecp2 from Sim1-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus using Cre-loxP technology. Loss of MeCP2 in Sim1-expressing neurons resulted in mice that recapitulated the abnormal physiological stress response that is seen upon MeCP2 dysfunction in the entire brain. Surprisingly, we also uncovered a role for MeCP2 in the regulation of social and feeding behaviors since the Mecp2 conditional knockout (CKO) mice were aggressive, hyperphagic, and obese. This study demonstrates that deleting Mecp2 in a defined brain region is an excellent approach to map the neuronal origins of complex behaviors and provides new insight about the function of MeCP2 in specific neurons.
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