Abstract (eng)
Mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene which encodes the protein
MeCP2, a crucial modulator of gene expression, are the main cause of Rett Syndrome (RTT),
an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that appears in children. In order to advance the
development of therapies for RTT, the need to establish the appropriate cell models is
apparent.
It is hence the aim of this work to isolate single cells from a Rett patient’s fibroblasts and
ultimately obtain monoclonal cells such as mutant and wildtype MeCP2 clones. For this
purpose, three different methods were used and compared: Flow cytometry (FC), limiting
dilution cloning and QIAscout™. Numerous seedings were performed; clones were treated
with various mediums, cells were immortalized and transfected with the plasmid pCl neo-hEST2 via electroporation. Clones were obtained and then characterized by
immunofluorescence staining, the HUMARA assay and Sanger sequencing. Results showed a
difference between different treatments of clones as well as cells that were treated with and
without plasmid. Lastly, the status of histone hyperacetylation in monoclonal cells, which is
essential in RTT, was determined by western blot with an antibody directed against acetylated
histone H3 at Lys9 (H3k9).
In summary, we have developed a cellular model for Rett Syndrome by using single cell-derived wild-type and mutant MECP2 expressing fibroblast clones with a common mutation
in MeCP2 (705delG). Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate a RETT-specific phenotype
in this model by investigating the hyperacetylation status and therefore it could serve as a cell
model for high throughput screening of therapeutic agents, diagnosis and personalized
treatment.