title: Does genotype predict phenotype in Rett syndrome?
abstract: Mutations in the X-linked gene encoding the methyl-CpG binding protein MeCP2 are the primary cause of classic and atypical Rett syndrome and have recently been shown to contribute to other neurodevelopmental disorders of varying severity. To determine whether there are molecular correlates to the phenotypic heterogeneity, numerous groups have performed genotype-phenotype correlation studies. These studies have yielded conflicting results, in part because they used different criteria for determining severity and classifying mutations. Evolution of the phenotype with age and variable expressivity arising from individual variability in X-chromosome inactivation patterns are among other reasons the findings varied. Nonetheless, evidence of differences in the phenotypic consequences of specific types of mutations is emerging. This review analyzes the available literature and makes recommendations for future studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
authors.forename: Andrea L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ham
authors.forename: Asmita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deeter
authors.forename: N Carolyn
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Schanen
mesh_terms: D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology