Transcriptomic analysis of mutant MECP2 human neural progenitor 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. 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 carries a point mutation in the MECP2 gene (R133C), a common mutation in RTT patients, which alters the function of the MeCP2 protein. The model will allow us to study the impact of this mutation on neural development and function at a cellular level, providing insights into the disease's neuropathology.