MeCP2 isoform e1 mutant mice recapitulate motor and metabolic phenotypes of Rett syndrome

Hum Mol Genet. 2018 Dec 1;27(23):4077-4093. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddy301.

Abstract

Mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 cause the majority of Rett syndrome (RTT) cases. Two differentially spliced isoforms of exons 1 and 2 (MeCP2-e1 and MeCP2-e2) contribute to the diverse functions of MeCP2, but only mutations in exon 1, not exon 2, are observed in RTT. We previously described an isoform-specific MeCP2-e1-deficient male mouse model of a human RTT mutation that lacks MeCP2-e1 while preserving expression of MeCP2-e2. However, RTT patients are heterozygous females that exhibit delayed and progressive symptom onset beginning in late infancy, including neurologic as well as metabolic, immune, respiratory and gastrointestinal phenotypes. Consequently, we conducted a longitudinal assessment of symptom development in MeCP2-e1 mutant females and males. A delayed and progressive onset of motor impairments was observed in both female and male MeCP2-e1 mutant mice, including hind limb clasping and motor deficits in gait and balance. Because these motor impairments were significantly impacted by age-dependent increases in body weight, we also investigated metabolic phenotypes at an early stage of disease progression. Both male and female MeCP2-e1 mutants exhibited significantly increased body fat compared to sex-matched wild-type littermates prior to weight differences. Mecp2e1-/y males exhibited significant metabolic phenotypes of hypoactivity, decreased energy expenditure, increased respiratory exchange ratio, but decreased food intake compared to wild-type. Untargeted analysis of lipid metabolites demonstrated a distinguishable profile in MeCP2-e1 female mutant liver characterized by increased triglycerides. Together, these results demonstrate that MeCP2-e1 mutation in mice of both sexes recapitulates early and progressive metabolic and motor phenotypes of human RTT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Exons / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Motor Activity / genetics*
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Rett Syndrome / genetics*
  • Rett Syndrome / metabolism
  • Rett Syndrome / physiopathology

Substances

  • MECP2 protein, human
  • Mecp2 protein, mouse
  • Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2
  • Protein Isoforms