Enables several functions, including DNA binding activity; histone deacetylase binding activity; and promoter-specific chromatin binding activity. Involved in several processes, including nervous system development; positive regulation of dense core granule transport; and regulation of dendrite extension. Located in chromatin; cytosol; and nucleus. Part of protein-containing complex. Is active in glutamatergic synapse. Used to study Rett syndrome. Biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma; transient cerebral ischemia; and visual epilepsy. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Rett syndrome; X-linked intellectual disability-psychosis-macroorchidism syndrome; autistic disorder; severe congenital encephalopathy due to MECP2 mutation; and syndromic X-linked intellectual disability Lubs type. Orthologous to human MECP2 (methyl-CpG binding protein 2). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]