Transcriptomic analysis of mutant MECP2 and NEAT1 human neural cells
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurological disorder predominantly affecting females, caused by mutations in the methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Understanding the pathophysiology of RTT at a cellular and molecular level is crucial for the development of targeted therapies. This project aims to dissect the molecular underpinnings of RTT using a novel in vitro model system based on a commercially available human neural progenitor cell line, ReNCell. We have engineered multiple distinct ReNCell lines to mimic specific genetic alterations associated with RTT, providing a robust platform for mechanistic studies and drug screening.  One cell line is a complete knockout of MECP2, serving as a model to investigate the effects of total loss of MeCP2 function. This model helps in understanding the full spectrum of MeCP2's roles in neural development and maintenance, and in identifying compensatory mechanisms that could be targeted therapeutically. The other line involves the knockdown of NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders, including RTT. Recent studies suggest NEAT1 plays a critical role in the neuronal cellular response to MECP2 dysfunction. By reducing NEAT1 expression, we aim to elucidate its contribution to RTT pathology and explore its potential as a therapeutic target.  Here we characterize the transcriptome of these cell lines, including the wild type (control), at the progenitor state and after 7 days of differentiation with three replicates each.