To better understand how MeCP2 regulates neuronal function, a mouse model was generated in which the Mecp2 gene was knocked out. The abnormal phenotype of this mouse could be rescued by conditional expression of MeCP2 in young mice. Why is this an important finding? Select all that apply.
A) It shows that the defects seen in the mice are due to the dysfunction of MeCP2.
B) It shows that Rett syndrome is due to a dysfunctional Mecp2 gene.
C) It shows that Mecp2 is expressed in all neurons.
D) It indicates that the symptoms are reversible and therefore the disease can be treated by restoring MeCP2.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rett syndrome is a human syndrome and the mouse is a model system to study the disease. Although Rett syndrome is due to dysfunctional Mecp2, this experiment does not show that. This experiment just shows that a Mecp2 knockout can be rescued by restoring the MeCP2 protein. This experiment also did not show in which neurons Mecp2 was expressed.

To Better Understand How MeCP2 Regulates Neuronal Function, a Mouse