The Structure of 3C2I

3D Model

MeCP2 binds to methylated DNA and initiates gene silencing. The X-ray structure of of DNA-MBD cocrystals indicate that methyl groups are bounded to water highlighting the hydrophilic interaction. This enabled the MBD domains to indentify mCpG.

MeCP2-DNA complex explores the siginificance of T158 and Y123. Mutation in T158 and Y123 leads to Rett’s Syndrome. Y123 is essential for DNA binding and T158 is required for the stability of the Asx-ST motif. The Asx-ST motif and the methylated CpG leads to mutations in the MBD family. Further studies are required to understand the DNA-methylation signals in this protein.