Interplay of LIS1 and MeCP2: Interactions and Implications With the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lissencephaly and Rett Syndrome.

is the main causative gene for lissencephaly, while is the main causative gene for Rett syndrome, both of which are neurodevelopmental diseases. Here we report nuclear functions for LIS1 and identify previously unrecognized physical and genetic interactions between the products of these two genes in the cell nucleus, that has implications on MeCP2 organization, neuronal gene expression and mouse behavior. Reduced LIS1 levels affect the association of MeCP2 with chromatin.

Increased relapse to cocaine-seeking in a genetic model for depression.

The greatest difficulty in treating cocaine addiction is the enormous rates of relapse, which occur despite immense negative consequences. Relapse risks are even greater in addicts with comorbid depression, perhaps because they use drugs to alleviate depressive symptoms. Only a few preclinical studies have examined this comorbidity, mostly exploring depressive-like effects following drug exposure.