Single cell transcriptomic analysis of mutant MECP2 human neural cells over a time-course of in vitro differentiation
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. Our 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.  This 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. We capture the progenitor state (0 days), and differentiation states at 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days for both the MECP2 knockut and the corresponding wildtype.