a protein that binds methylated CpG dinucleotides via interactions through the methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) (Lewis et al., 1992; Meehan, Lewis, McKay, Kleiner, & Bird, 1989). It has been shown to both activate and repress transcription (Chahrour et al., 2008; Jones et al., 1998; Mellen, Ayata, Dewell, Kriaucionis, & Heintz, 2012; Nan et al., 1998) and four families of MBD containing proteins have now been identified including the founding member, MeCP2, and a newly identified MBD-dependent member Kaiso, which recognizes DNA via zinc-finger domains (Klose & Bird, 2006). The role played by MeCP2 in regulating BDNF function and regulating synaptic plasticity has been well characterized (Martinowich et al., 2003; Chen et al., 2003; Zhou et al., 2006). We have shown a deficit in the BDNF system in the CeA and MeA have been associated with anxiety-like and alcohol-drinking behaviors (Moonat et al., 2011; 2013; Pandey et al., 2006). Further studies are needed to understand the functional role of MeCP2 in the regulation of BDNF expression during the comorbidity of anxiety and alcoholism.
