Evaluation of Rett Syndrome Symptom Improvement by Metabolic Modulators in Mecp2-Mutant Mice

Mouse models recapitulate many symptoms of Rett Syndrome, an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). The study of Mecp2-null male mice has provided insight into pathogenesis of the disorder-most recently, dysregulation of cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Perisymptomatic treatment with statin drugs successfully mitigates the effects of this metabolic syndrome, increases longevity, and improves motor function. Described here is a metabolic drug screening protocol and timeline for symptom evaluation in Mecp2-mutant mice. Specifically, mice are treated twice weekly with a compound of interest alongside subjective health assessments, bi-weekly body composition measurements, and blood chemistries. Throughout treatment, behavioral phenotyping tests are carried out at specific time points. This protocol is highly adaptable to other neurological diseases; however, the time for completion depends on the specific mutant model under study. The protocol highlights the use of techniques described in several different Current Protocols in Mouse Biology articles to carry out testing in a preclinical model. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 3:187-204 © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.