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MeCP2 interacts with chromosomal microRNAs in brain.

Epigenetics (2018-02-08)
Abdul Waheed Khan, Mark Ziemann, Haloom Rafehi, Scott Maxwell, Giuseppe D Ciccotosto, Assam El-Osta
RÉSUMÉ

Although methyl CpG binding domain protein-2 (MeCP2) is commonly understood to function as a silencing factor at methylated DNA sequences, recent studies also show that MeCP2 can bind unmethylated sequences and coordinate gene activation. MeCP2 displays broad binding patterns throughout the genome, with high expression levels similar to histone H1 in neurons. Despite its significant presence in the brain, only subtle gene expression changes occur in the absence of MeCP2. This may reflect a more complex regulatory mechanism of MeCP2 to complement chromatin binding. Using an RNA immunoprecipitation of native chromatin technique, we identify MeCP2 interacting microRNAs in mouse primary cortical neurons. In addition, comparison with mRNA sequencing data from Mecp2-null mice suggests that differentially expressed genes may indeed be targeted by MeCP2-interacting microRNAs. These findings highlight the MeCP2 interaction with microRNAs that may modulate its binding with chromatin and regulate gene expression.

MATÉRIAUX
Référence du produit
Marque
Description du produit

Sigma-Aldrich
Anticorps anti-ARN polymérase II, clone CTD4H8, clone CTD4H8, Upstate®, from mouse
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-MeCP2 antibody produced in rabbit, ~0.6 mg/mL, affinity isolated antibody, buffered aqueous solution