Message to families
Although Rett Syndrome is the MECP2 disorder that has received the most public attention, recent work has revealed cases in which MECP2 mutations do not result in Rett Syndrome. Some of these disorders may, in fact, prove to be part of larger populations than classic Rett.
We have much to learn from individuals with MECP2 spectrum disorders. Scientists hypothesize that the levels of MeCP2 protein must be exquisitely regulated and any over/under production may lead to a variety of disorders ranging from anxiety or OCD to full-blown schizophrenia or autism. Your children will help elucidate the range of phenotypic expressions and may potentially point the way to therapeutic interventions.
The Trust is interested in research that will benefit all children and adults with MECP2 abnormalities. We need your help to financially support current projects as well as new avenues of inquiry. One such avenue is RNA interference, the topic of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. RNA interference is a natural phenomenon which can be exploited to down-regulate the MeCP2 protein in the duplication syndrome.
We encourage you to contact us to discuss research opportunities and the work that lies ahead as we strive to provide our children with a better future.
