MECP2 gene is mutated in Rett syndrome and MECP2 duplication is responsible for a severe developmental disorder with autistic phenotypes. A recent work published in Nature reports the generation of MECP2 transgenic monkeys. The transgenic cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) expressing human MeCP2 in the brain exhibit autism-like behaviours and show germline transmission of the transgene. They showed higher frequency of repetitive circular locomotion and increased stress responses. The transgenic monkeys showed less interaction with wild-type monkeys within the same group.

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v530/n7588/full/nature16533.html

Posted by Nicola Brunetti-Pierri