Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome

In the 50 years since Andreas Rett first described the syndrome that came to bear his name, and is now known to be caused by a mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, a compelling blend of astute clinical observations and clinical and laboratory research has substantially enhan...

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Main Authors: Leonard, H., Cobb, S., Downs, Jennepher
Format: Journal Article
Published: 2017
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/74817
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author Leonard, H.
Cobb, S.
Downs, Jennepher
author_facet Leonard, H.
Cobb, S.
Downs, Jennepher
author_sort Leonard, H.
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description In the 50 years since Andreas Rett first described the syndrome that came to bear his name, and is now known to be caused by a mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, a compelling blend of astute clinical observations and clinical and laboratory research has substantially enhanced our understanding of this rare disorder. Here, we document the contributions of the early pioneers in Rett syndrome (RTT) research, and describe the evolution of knowledge in terms of diagnostic criteria, clinical variation, and the interplay with other Rett-related disorders. We provide a synthesis of what is known about the neurobiology of MeCP2, considering the lessons learned from both cell and animal models, and how they might inform future clinical trials. With a focus on the core criteria, we examine the relationships between genotype and clinical severity. We review current knowledge about the many comorbidities that occur in RTT, and how genotype may modify their presentation. We also acknowledge the important drivers that are accelerating this research programme, including the roles of research infrastructure, international collaboration and advocacy groups. Finally, we highlight the major milestones since 1966, and what they mean for the day‑to‑day lives of individuals with RTT and their families.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-748172019-07-15T06:38:10Z Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome Leonard, H. Cobb, S. Downs, Jennepher In the 50 years since Andreas Rett first described the syndrome that came to bear his name, and is now known to be caused by a mutation in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, a compelling blend of astute clinical observations and clinical and laboratory research has substantially enhanced our understanding of this rare disorder. Here, we document the contributions of the early pioneers in Rett syndrome (RTT) research, and describe the evolution of knowledge in terms of diagnostic criteria, clinical variation, and the interplay with other Rett-related disorders. We provide a synthesis of what is known about the neurobiology of MeCP2, considering the lessons learned from both cell and animal models, and how they might inform future clinical trials. With a focus on the core criteria, we examine the relationships between genotype and clinical severity. We review current knowledge about the many comorbidities that occur in RTT, and how genotype may modify their presentation. We also acknowledge the important drivers that are accelerating this research programme, including the roles of research infrastructure, international collaboration and advocacy groups. Finally, we highlight the major milestones since 1966, and what they mean for the day‑to‑day lives of individuals with RTT and their families. 2017 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/74817 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.186 restricted
spellingShingle Leonard, H.
Cobb, S.
Downs, Jennepher
Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome
title Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome
title_full Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome
title_fullStr Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome
title_full_unstemmed Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome
title_short Clinical and biological progress over 50 years in Rett syndrome
title_sort clinical and biological progress over 50 years in rett syndrome
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/74817