MeCP2 throws new light on cocaine addiction

Recombinant or partially recombinant proteins are often included in the catalogues of antibody suppliers

. Derived from recombinant DNA (rDNA) they are distinct from genetic proteins (i.e. those produced entirely within the cell) in that they are engineered artificially, by combining DNA from two unrelated organisms or cell lines. Antibodies can be raised against these proteins just as they can against those derived from a single cell source. Recently, MeCP2 recombinant protein and antibody was used in an interesting study into the causes of drug addiction.

Part of the DNA methylation family of human nuclear proteins, MeCP2 is essential to embryonic development. It is characterised by the presence of a methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD) and binds specifically to methylated DNA. It can also dampen methylated gene promoter transcription.

Mutations of the MECP2 gene are mainly associated with the neurological disorder Rett Syndrome, a common cause of mental retardation in female children. However, a study by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute, funded by the National Institute for Drug Abuse, revealed that cocaine can increase MeCP2 expression when administered to rats. The level of MeCP2 in the brain was directly proportional to the degree in which each animal was compelled to self-administer the drug. This suggests a possible link between human MeCP2 levels and cocaine addiction.

The study was a follow-up to an earlier one carried out by the Scripps Institute, in which the same animal model was used. This showed that miRNA-212, another regulatory molecule, inhibited the animals' motivation for cocaine, suggesting a protective role against drug addiction. These twin studies revealed that the compulsion to self-administer cocaine relied on the balance of MeCP2 to miRNA-212, intake increasing or decreasing according to whether MeCP2 or miRNA-212 was in abundance.

We at Novus Biologicals have a broad antibody database devoted to studies into human disease, such as cancer. This new molecular approach to understanding drug addiction signifies yet another way in which these products can be used to save lives.

MeCP2 throws new light on cocaine addiction

By: Charlie

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