MeCP2 Related Studies Benefit from the Use of CD1 as Genetic Background.
MECP2 mutations cause a number of neurological disorders of which Rett syndrome (RTT) represents the most thoroughly analysed condition. Many Mecp2 mouse models have been generated through the years; their validity is demonstrated by the presence of a broad spectrum of phenotypes largely mimicking those manifested by RTT patients. These mouse models, between which the C57BL/6 Mecp2tm1.1Bird strain probably represents the most used, enabled to disclose much of the roles of Mecp2. However, small litters with little viability and poor maternal care hamper the maintenance of the colony, thus limiting research on such animals. For this reason, past studies often used Mecp2 mouse models on mixed genetic backgrounds, thus opening questions on whether modifier genes could be responsible for at least part of the described effects. To verify this possibility, and facilitate the maintenance of the Mecp2 colony, we transferred the Mecp2tm1.1Bird allele on the stronger CD1 background. The CD1 strain is easier to maintain and largely recapitulates the phenotypes already described in Mecp2-null mice. We believe that this mouse model will foster the research on RTT.
San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
Clementina
C
Cobolli Gigli
San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
Linda
L
Scaramuzza
San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
Anna
A
Gandaglia
San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.|Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Elisa
E
Bellini
Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Marina
M
Gabaglio
Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy.|ZardiGori Foundation, Milan, Italy.
Daniela
D
Parolaro
Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Italy.
Charlotte
C
Kilstrup-Nielsen
San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.|Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, L.I.T.A., Segrate, Italy.
Nicoletta
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0820-3155
N
Landsberger
San Raffaele Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
Francesco
F
Bedogni
D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005260:Female; D017353:Gene Deletion; D000068617:Genetic Background; D008297:Male; D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D010641:Phenotype; D013045:Species Specificity
D051783:Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2