Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 mutations in Rett syndrome.

The X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) encodes a protein that links DNA methylation to transcriptional repression mediated by histone deacetylases. Mutations in MECP2 have been found in 76% of classic Rett syndrome patients. Favourable nonrandom X chromosome inactivation ameliorates the phenotype.