Rett Syndrome and the Role of MECP2: Signaling to Clinical Trials

Abstract

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder that mostly affects females, with a frequency of 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 live birth cases. Symptoms include stereotyped hand movements; impaired learning, language, and communication skills; sudden loss of speech; reduced lifespan; retarded growth; disturbance of sleep and breathing; seizures; autism; and gait apraxia. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for patients with Rett syndrome, with a survival rate of 77.8% at 25 years of age. Survival into the fifth decade is typical in Rett syndrome, and the leading cause of death is cardiorespiratory compromise. Rett syndrome progression has multiple stages; however, most phenotypes are associated with the nervous system and brain. In total, 95% of Rett syndrome cases are due to mutations in the MECP2 gene, an X-linked gene that encodes for the methyl CpG binding protein, a regulator of gene expression. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in the field of Rett syndrome and therapeutics targeting MECP2.

24-h continuous non-invasive multiparameter home monitoring of vitals in patients with Rett syndrome by an innovative wearable technology: evidence of an overlooked chronic fatigue status

“…RTT is known to have an increased mortality risk, previously linked to cardiorespiratory issues ( 24 , 76 ) or pneumonia ( 77 ). Despite the changing survival rates, due to carefully addressing modifiable risk factors ( 76 ), overall clinical severity remains a key player in the mortality risk in classic RTT ( 76 , 77 ).…”

“…RTT is known to have an increased mortality risk, previously linked to cardiorespiratory issues ( 24 , 76 ) or pneumonia ( 77 ). Despite the changing survival rates, due to carefully addressing modifiable risk factors ( 76 ), overall clinical severity remains a key player in the mortality risk in classic RTT ( 76 , 77 ). To date, four prior studies using continuous monitoring of vital signs by different wearable sensor devices have explored variations of biovital/physiological signs and HRV metrics in RTT ( 19 , 45 – 47 ).…”