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Autism Consortium members publish in PNAS: Mechanism, treatment for Rett syndrome -- top cause autism girls
February 10, 2009The Autism Consortium, an innovative research, clinical and family collaboration dedicated to radically accelerating research and enhancing clinical care for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), announced today that several Consortium members published a paper with significance for clinical trials in autism in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The research led by Autism Consortium members Mriganka Sur, PhD, Newton Professor of Neuroscience at the Picower Institute and Head of the MIT Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; and Rudolf Jaenisch, PhD, Founding Member, Whitehead Institute and Professor of Biology at MIT, demonstrates for the first time a mechanism for Rett Syndrome and a therapeutic that could be directly applicable to humans. As a result, a clinical trial in humans is in development.
IGF1 Reverses Rett Symptoms in Mice; Clinical Trial Planned
This groundbreaking study demonstrated that by treating mice with a peptide fragment of IGF1, a molecule that is utilized by the brain for neuronal and synaptic development, the symptoms of Rett Syndrome in the mice were largely reversed.
"The next step is to test recombinant human IGF1 which is already available for pediatric use in humans with the hope of treating or reversing Rett Syndrome," said Omar Khwaja, MD, PhD, Director of the Rett Syndrome Program at Children's Hospital Boston and head of the clinical trial team for IGF1. "We are working as quickly possible to develop the protocol, secure funding, and initiate the trial."
"This new study presents promising novel data suggesting that targeting the IGF1 signaling axis may present a useful therapeutic strategy that could ultimately be translated to humans," said Dr. Antony Horton, Chief Scientific Officer at the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. "We are encouraged by this collaboration between scientists and clinicians which is yielding valuable insights into potential new treatments for Rett syndrome."
About Rett Syndrome and the Findings
Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting girls and also the most common basis of autism in girls, is primarily caused by a sporadic mutation in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. The MECP2 gene makes a protein, also called MeCP2, believed to play a pivotal role in silencing, i.e. turning off the activity of other genes. The MECP2 mutation causes the regulatory mechanism to fail, which in turn causes other genes to function abnormally.
Rett is a genetic disorder of developmental arrest or failure of brain maturation. This is thought to occur when subsets of neurons and their connections (synapses) are disrupted during a very dynamic phase of brain development. Scientists have been investigating ways to reverse that arrest and therefore, turn brain activity back on.
By crossing into the brain and activating 'IGF1 signaling' - IGF1 binds to its receptor and activates downstream molecules within neurons that make synapses mature. This activity in turn ends the developmental arrest thought to underlie the syndrome.
Using mutant mice in which MeCP2 is deleted, Sur and his co-authors demonstrated a major underlying mechanism for the disorder-synapses in the brain remain immature and showed persistent, abnormal plasticity into adulthood.
"Our research is beginning to show that other forms of autism also have, as their basis, this persistent immaturity of synapses," said Sur. "As a result, an even more exciting and promising aspect of this work is the possibility that IGF1 or similar therapeutics could apply not only to autism caused by Rett Syndrome, but also to other causes of autism as well."
Autism Consortium
This groundbreaking study demonstrated that by treating mice with a peptide fragment of IGF1, a molecule that is utilized by the brain for neuronal and synaptic development, the symptoms of Rett Syndrome in the mice were largely reversed.
"The next step is to test recombinant human IGF1 which is already available for pediatric use in humans with the hope of treating or reversing Rett Syndrome," said Omar Khwaja, MD, PhD, Director of the Rett Syndrome Program at Children's Hospital Boston and head of the clinical trial team for IGF1. "We are working as quickly possible to develop the protocol, secure funding, and initiate the trial."
"This new study presents promising novel data suggesting that targeting the IGF1 signaling axis may present a useful therapeutic strategy that could ultimately be translated to humans," said Dr. Antony Horton, Chief Scientific Officer at the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. "We are encouraged by this collaboration between scientists and clinicians which is yielding valuable insights into potential new treatments for Rett syndrome."
About Rett Syndrome and the Findings
Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting girls and also the most common basis of autism in girls, is primarily caused by a sporadic mutation in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. The MECP2 gene makes a protein, also called MeCP2, believed to play a pivotal role in silencing, i.e. turning off the activity of other genes. The MECP2 mutation causes the regulatory mechanism to fail, which in turn causes other genes to function abnormally.
Rett is a genetic disorder of developmental arrest or failure of brain maturation. This is thought to occur when subsets of neurons and their connections (synapses) are disrupted during a very dynamic phase of brain development. Scientists have been investigating ways to reverse that arrest and therefore, turn brain activity back on.
By crossing into the brain and activating 'IGF1 signaling' - IGF1 binds to its receptor and activates downstream molecules within neurons that make synapses mature. This activity in turn ends the developmental arrest thought to underlie the syndrome.
Using mutant mice in which MeCP2 is deleted, Sur and his co-authors demonstrated a major underlying mechanism for the disorder-synapses in the brain remain immature and showed persistent, abnormal plasticity into adulthood.
"Our research is beginning to show that other forms of autism also have, as their basis, this persistent immaturity of synapses," said Sur. "As a result, an even more exciting and promising aspect of this work is the possibility that IGF1 or similar therapeutics could apply not only to autism caused by Rett Syndrome, but also to other causes of autism as well."
Autism Consortium
Rett Syndrome Current Events and Rett Syndrome News RSSUnderstanding mental illness through gene-environment interactions
Biological Psychiatry, published by Elsevier, is very pleased to present a special section of its February 1st issue devoted to fundamental new insights into epigenetics, a field of research devoted to understanding how the environment can produce long-lasting or even heritable changes in gene function without altering the DNA sequence.
RSRT Advisor Makes Significant Discovery with Potential for Novel Therapeutic Approaches
A paper published online today in Nature Neuroscience reveals the presence of methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) in glia. MeCP2 is a protein associated with a variety of neurological disorders, including Rett Syndrome, the most physically disabling of the autism spectrum disorders.
People with autism make more rational decisions, study shows
People with autism-related disorders are less likely to make irrational decisions, and are less influenced by gut instincts, according to research funded by the Wellcome Trust. The study adds to the growing body of research implicating altered emotional processing in autism.
Researchers find differences in swallowing mechanism of Rett syndrome patients
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have found that the reflux and swallowing problems that are common symptoms in patients with Rett syndrome and other neurological impairments, may be caused by a different mechanism than they are in healthy individuals.
Researchers link early stem cell mutation to autism
In a breakthrough scientific study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have shown that neural stem cell development may be linked to Autism.
Mental and physical exercise improves genetic mental impairment
Australian scientists have shown that mental and physical exercise can improve coordination and movement problems in Rett syndrome, a devastating genetic brain development disorder that primarily affects females.
Genetic analysis reveals range of Rett syndrome
The first comprehensive analysis of the clinical effects of genetic mutations involved in Rett syndrome will enable affected families to receive a more accurate indication of their child's prognosis.
Rett syndrome research reveals high fracture risk
Researchers at Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research have found that girls and young women with Rett syndrome are nearly four times more likely to suffer a fracture.
Study finds first-ever genetic animal model of autism
By introducing a gene mutation in mice, investigators have created what they believe to be the first accurate model of autism not associated with a broader neuropsychiatric syndrome, according to research presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology annual meeting.
Brain needs perfection in synapse number
The proper number of synapses or communication between nerve cells, determined early in life, is crucial to having a healthy brain that can learn and retain information.
More Rett Syndrome Current Events and Rett Syndrome News Articles
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Understanding Rett Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents, Teachers, And Therapists by Barbro Lindberg (Author) The brand new edition of this unique book describes the difficulties and challenges of girls and women with Rett Syndrome, and proposes solutions that can help them in everyday life. Written from an educational perspective, and based on extensive practical, real-life experience, it also takes into consideration living conditions as a whole to provide practical and effective help for all those involved in the care of those with Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a severe neurological disorder with no cure affecting 1 out of every 10,000-15,000 female births worldwide. It is now known to result from a chromosomal defect that leads to problems such as mental retardation, serious motor handicaps, epileptic seizures, and difficulties with communication. This syndrome is found only in girls, and... |
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Keeping Katherine: A Mother's Journey to Acceptance by Susan Zimmermann (Author) Katherine was a beautiful, perfect baby for the first year of her life. Then, without warning, she changed forever. She started crossing her eyes. She cried at night for hours at a time and could not be soothed. She stopped saying words, stopped crawling, and began what would become a lifelong habit of wringing her hands. Hospital visits and consultations with doctors offered no answers to the mystery. Soon Katherine slipped away to a place her mother and father could never reach. In Keeping Katherine, Susan Zimmermann tells the story of her life with her daughter Katherine, who has Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disorder. Writing with honesty and candor, Zimmermann chronicles her personal journey to accept the changed dynamic of her family; the strain of caring for a... |
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Rett Syndrome Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Rett Syndrome Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Rett Syndrome Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Rett Syndrome Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
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Pathways to Learning in Rett Syndrome by Lewis (Author) Offering accessible advice on the special educational needs of girls with Rett syndrome, this volume aims to assist teachers in developing a working knowledge of the syndrome and suggests particular strategies in planning a curriculum which may help overcome the specific difficulties within the diagnosis. For parents, the book provides a picture of the special school system in this country and the educational implications for their daughters. It should also be of interest to those working with pupils with a more general type of profound learning disability. |
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Your Daughter Has Been Diagnosed With Rett Syndrome by Kim Isaac Greenblatt (Author) This book is for parents who just received a diagnosis of Rett Syndrome, their relatives, concerned friends and interested medical professionals. The book explains first hand reactions to the initial diagnosis as well as some coping mechanisms and suggestions for life strategies. Part of all sales go to Rett Syndrome research. Kim Isaac Greenblatt currently lives in West Hills, California. |
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The Rett Syndrome handbook: In words you can understand from those who understand by Kathy Hunter (Author) The Purpose of this publication is to circulate the most up to date information on Rett Syndrome. In words you can understand from those who understand | |
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Rett Syndrome Medical Guide by Qontro Medical Guides (Author) The Rett Syndrome Medical Guide is a publication which has been designed to better help readers understand Rett Syndrome. This Qontro Medical Guide has been designed with the reader in mind, and is a useful information source for readers at all levels looking to learn more about Rett Syndrome. The Rett Syndrome Medical Guide is highly recommended for those interested in understanding and learning more about Rett Syndrome. |
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Rett Syndrome - Clinical and Biological Aspects: Studies on 130 Swedish Females (Clinics in Developmental Medicine (Mac Keith Press)) by Bengt Hagberg (Editor) This volume provides a detailed survey of the clinical development of Rett syndrome from its earliest manifestations in childhood to adulthood. The volume surveys the developmental profile of the disease, its characteristic cluster of symptoms and signs, and categorizes the four main clinical stages in the development of motor disability. Particular emphasis is given to Rett syndrome variants and other clinical conditions which manifest themselves in a similar way to Rett syndrome. The development of scoliosis with age and disease stage is analysed. The neurophysiologic, neuropathologic and neurochemical characteristics are also examined. In addition, the volume looks at the molecular genetics of the syndrome, drug treatment and possible future developments. |
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Rett Syndrome - A Bibliography and Dictionary for Physicians, Patients, and Genome Researchers by Philip M. Parker (Author) In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading." Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing. Since only the smallest fraction of information dealing with Rett syndrome is indexed in search engines, such as www.google.com or others, a non-systematic approach to Internet research can be not only time consuming, but also incomplete. This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to conduct medical research using the most advanced tools... |
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The Official Parent's Sourcebook on Rett Syndrome: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age by Icon Health Publications (Author) This book has been created for parents who have decided to make education and research an integral part of the treatment process. Although it also gives information useful to doctors, caregivers and other health professionals, it tells parents where and how to look for information covering virtually all topics related to rett syndrome (also Autism, Dementia, Ataxia, and Loss of Purposeful Hand Use), from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. The title of this book includes the word official. This reflects the fact that the sourcebook draws from public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research. Selected readings from various agencies are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on rett syndrome. Given parents' increasing... |
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