A role for glia in the progression of Rett’s syndrome

Astrocytes targeted in Rett's syndrome Rett's syndrome, a disorder caused by loss of function of methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), is associated with various neurological symptoms on the autism spectrum. Although impaired neurons are the underlying cause of nervous system failure in Rett's syndrome, experiments in a mouse model show that the genetic correction of MeCP2 expression in glial cells — principally in astrocytes — can reverse three hallmark behaviour abnormalities of the neurological disorder. Neuronal morphology and neurotransmitter markers are also rescued, suggesting an interactive mechanism between glial and neuronal cells in Rett's syndrome initiation and progression.