Novel MeCP2 isoform-specific antibody reveals the endogenous MeCP2E1 expression in murine brain, primary neurons and astrocytes

PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e49763. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049763. Epub 2012 Nov 19.

Abstract

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurological disorder in young females, and is caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene. MECP2/Mecp2 gene encodes for two protein isoforms; MeCP2E1 and MeCP2E2 that are identical except for the N-terminus region of the protein. In brain, MECP2E1 transcripts are 10X higher, and MeCP2E1 is suggested to be the relevant isoform for RTT. However, due to the unavailability of MeCP2 isoform-specific antibodies, the endogenous expression pattern of MeCP2E1 is unknown. To gain insight into the expression of MeCP2E1 in brain, we have developed an anti-MeCP2E1 antibody and validated its specificity in cells exogenously expressing individual MeCP2 isoforms. This antibody does not show any cross-reactivity with MeCP2E2 and detects endogenous MeCP2E1 in mice brain, with no signal in Mecp2(tm1.1Bird) y/- null mice. Additionally, we show the endogenous MeCP2E1 expression throughout different brain regions in adult mice, and demonstrate its highest expression in the brain cortex. Our results also indicate that MeCP2E1 is highly expressed in primary neurons, as compared to primary astrocytes. This is the first report of the endogenous MeCP2E1 expression at the protein levels, providing novel avenues for understanding different aspects of MeCP2 function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain Mapping
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, X-Linked
  • Humans
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2* / genetics
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2* / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Protein Isoforms* / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms* / metabolism
  • Rett Syndrome* / genetics
  • Rett Syndrome* / metabolism

Substances

  • Mecp2 protein, mouse
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2
  • Protein Isoforms

Grants and funding

This work is supported by funds from the Manitoba Institute of Child Health (MICH) Small Grant and Operating Funds, Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada (SRCFC, Grant 10110), Manitoba Health Research Council (MHRC) Establishment and Operating Funds, and Health Sciences Centre Foundation (HSCF) Grant. RMZ is a recipient of MHRC-MICH Studentship Award and CE is a recipient of MHRC-UMGF Studentship Award. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.