Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry
10:43

Analysis of Microglia and Monocyte-derived Macrophages from the Central Nervous System by Flow Cytometry

Published on: June 22, 2017

25.4K

Brains, Blood, and Guts: MeCP2 Regulates Microglia, Monocytes, and Peripheral Macrophages

Dorothy P Schafer1, Beth Stevens2

  • 1Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.

Immunity
|April 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) cause Rett Syndrome. Studies show MeCP2 deficiency alters macrophage function, impacting immune and stress responses in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) are the primary cause of Rett Syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder.
  • Rett Syndrome is characterized by significant neurological and somatic impairments, affecting multiple bodily systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MeCP2 in the function of macrophages.
  • To determine how MeCP2 deficiency impacts immune cell responses in the context of Rett Syndrome.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing a mouse model with MeCP2 deficiency.
  • Analyzing macrophage populations and their responses to various stimuli, including glucocorticoids, hypoxia, and inflammatory signals.

Main Results:

  • Macrophage populations were found to be abnormal in number in MeCP2-deficient mice.
  • These macrophages exhibited altered responses to glucocorticoid, hypoxia, and inflammatory stimuli.

Conclusions:

  • MeCP2 plays a critical role in regulating macrophage number and function.
  • Dysfunctional macrophages due to MeCP2 deficiency may contribute to the pathophysiology of Rett Syndrome.

More Related Videos

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility07:54

Rapid and Refined CD11b Magnetic Isolation of Primary Microglia with Enhanced Purity and Versatility

Published on: April 13, 2017

10.5K
Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates09:12

Isolation of Cortical Microglia with Preserved Immunophenotype and Functionality From Murine Neonates

Published on: January 30, 2014

16.9K

Related Concept Videos

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells01:15

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
4.3K
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
8.0K