[Abstract Title]. - Society for Neuroscience

Disclosures: E.K. Murray , None; A. Hien, None; G.J. de Vries, None; N.G. Forger, None.
Poster
278. Sex Differences I
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 278.13/MM6
Topic: E.01.e. Sexual differences
Support: NIH grant R01MH072956
NIH grant T32MH75880
Title: Sex specific influence of reduced Mecp2 expression within the developing amygdala on
juvenile social behavior
Authors: *A. P. AUGER 1 , J. R. KURIAN 1 , M. E. BYCHOWSKI 2 , R. M. FORBES-
LORMAN 1 , C. J. AUGER 1 ;
1 Dept Psych, 2 Neurosci. Training Program, Univ. Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI
Abstract: Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) binds methylated DNA and recruits corepressor
proteins to modify chromatin and alter gene transcription. Mutations of the MECP2
gene can cause Rett syndrome (RTT), while subtle reductions of MeCP2 expression may be
associated with male dominated social and neurodevelopmental disorders. We report that
transiently decreased amygdala Mecp2 expression using siRNA during a sensitive period of
brain sexual differentiation disrupts the organization of sex differences in juvenile social
behavior. This disruption does not present as grossly atypical behavior and does not exhibit
motor abnormalities present in models of RTT. Rather, typical sex differences in juvenile social
behaviors are eliminated, and these behavioral modifications occurred only in males. This
suggests Mecp2 may have an overlooked role in the organization of sexually dimorphic
behaviors and that male juvenile behavior is particularly sensitive to Mecp2 disruption during
this period of development. Further, modified amygdala Mecp2 expression is related to atypical
male juvenile social behavior.
Disclosures: A.P. Auger , None; J.R. Kurian, None; M.E. Bychowski, None; R.M. Forbes-
Lorman, None; C.J. Auger, None.