[Rett syndrome: from pathophysiology to developments in treatment]. / Síndrome de Rett: desde la fisiopatología a las novedades en el tratamiento.

Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopment disorder which primarily affects females and is caused by pathogenic variants in the MECP2 gene. The disease has a characteristic developmental regression resulting in impairment of expressive language, hand skills, and ambulation that is accompanied by hand stereotypies. The goal of this article it to provide an overview of the diagnosis, natural history, and treatment.

El síndrome de Rett (SR) es un desorden del neurodesarrollo que afecta principalmente a mujeres y es causado por una variante patogénica en el gen MECP2. Esta enfermedad se caracteriza por una regresión del desarrollo que resulta en el deterioro del lenguaje expresivo, habilidades manuales, y deambulación, y está acompañado de estereotipias manuales. El objetivo de este artículo es proporcionar una visión general del diagnóstico, la historia natural y el tratamiento.

Genomic analysis in Chilean patients with suspected Rett syndrome: keep a broad differential diagnosis.

Introduction: Rett syndrome (RTT, MIM #312750) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to developmental regression and severe disability and is caused by pathogenic variants in the MECP2 gene. The diagnosis of RTT is based on clinical features and, depending on resources and access, on molecular confirmation. There is scarce information on molecular diagnosis from patients in Latin America, mostly due to limited availability and coverage of genomic testing. This pilot study aimed to implement genomic testing and characterize clinical and molecular findings in a group of Chilean patients with a clinical diagnosis of RTT. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with suspected RTT underwent characterization of phenotypic manifestations and molecular testing using Clinical Exome SolutionTM CES_V2 by SOPHiA Genetics. Data was analyzed using the commercial bioinformatics platform, SOPHiA DDMTM. A virtual panel of 34 genes, including MECP2 and other genes that are in the differential diagnosis of RTT, was used to prioritize initial analyses, followed by evaluation of the complete exome sequence data. Results: Twelve patients (42.8% of participants) had variants in MECP2, of which 11 (39.2%) were interpreted as pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP), thus confirming the diagnosis of RTT in them. Eight additional patients (28.5%) harbored ten variants in nine other genes. Four of these variants were interpreted as P/LP (14.2%) (GRIN2B, MADD, TRPM3 and ZEB2) resulting in alternative neurodevelopmental diagnoses, and six were considered of uncertain significance. No evident candidate variant was found for eight patients. Discussion: This study allowed to reach a diagnosis in half of the participants. The diagnosis of RTT was confirmed in over a third of them, while others were found to have alternative neurodevelopmental disorders. Further evaluation is needed to identify the cause in those with negative or uncertain results. This information is useful for the patients, families, and clinicians to guide clinical management, even more so since the development of novel therapies for RTT. We also show the feasibility of implementing a step-wide approach to genomic testing in a setting with limited resources.

Aspectos neurobiológicos del Síndrome de Rett

El Síndrome de Rett es un trastorno monogénico ligado al cromosoma X, de carácter progresivo que afecta el neurodesarrollo principalmente de niñas durante las primeras etapas del ciclo vital. Su etiología se debe principalmente a las mutaciones de cambio de nucleótido único con pérdida de función del gen MECP2. Este gen codifica para la proteína del mismo nombre cuya principal función es actuar como un represor global de la transcripción mediante el reconocimiento de zonas metiladas de islas CpG y el reclutamiento de factores correpresores que modulan la expresión génica desacetilando histonas. Dentro de las principales alteraciones estructurales asociadas al síndrome se encuentran una morfología neuronal atípica con tamaño del soma neuronal y número de espinas dendríticas reducido, además de alteraciones neuroquímicas sobre todo en la señalización GABAérgica llevando a una desregulación entre señales excitatorias e inhibitorias, causando epilepsia. También se han descrito una serie de alteraciones metabólicas, oxidativas e inflamatorias. El tratamiento hasta ahora se ha enfocado más en buscar un alivio sintomático para las manifestaciones del síndrome pero se ha desarrollado recientemente terapia génica con el objetivo de tratar desde sus bases neurogenéticas la patología y evitar así el desarrollo alterado durante la niñez.

Rett Syndrome is a monogenic disorder linked to the X chromosome, of a progressive nature that affects neurodevelopment mainly in girls during the first stages of the life cycle. Its etiology is mainly due to loss-of-function single nucleotide change mutations of the MECP2 gene. This gene codes for the protein of the same name whose main function is to act as a global repressor of transcription through the recognition of methylated areas of CpG islands and the recruitment of corepressor factors that modulate gene expression by deacetylating histones. Among the main structural alterations associated with the syndrome are an atypical neuronal morphology with a size of the neuronal soma and a reduced number of dendritic spines, in addition to neurochemical alterations, especially in the GABAergic signal, leading to dysregulation between excitatory and inhibitory signals, causing epilepsy. A series of metabolic, oxidative, and inflammatory disorders have also been described. Until now, treatment has focused more on seeking symptomatic relief for the manifestations of the syndrome, but gene therapy has recently been developed with the aim of treating the pathology from its neurogenetic bases and thus avoiding altered development during childhood.

Contribution of Mendelian Disorders in a Population-Based Pediatric Neurodegeneration Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Mendelian causes of neurodegenerative disorders in a cohort of pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGN: Patients enrolled in the Center for Applied Genomics Biobank at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with neurodegenerative symptoms were identified using an algorithm that consisted of including and excluding selected International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th edition codes. A manual chart review was then performed to abstract detailed clinical information. RESULTS: Of approximately 100 000 patients enrolled in the Center for Applied Genomics Biobank, 76 had a neurodegenerative phenotype. After chart review, 7 patients were excluded. Of the remaining 69 patients, 42 had a genetic diagnosis (60.9%) and 27 were undiagnosed (39.1%). There were 32 unique disorders. Common diagnoses included Rett syndrome, mitochondrial disorders, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. CONCLUSIONS: The disorders encountered in our cohort demonstrate the diverse diseases and pathophysiology that contribute to pediatric neurodegeneration. Establishing a diagnosis often informed clinical management, although curative treatment options are lacking. Many patients who underwent genetic evaluation remained undiagnosed, highlighting the importance of continued research efforts in this field.

Mecanismos epigenéticos involucrados en la génesis del autismo / Epigenetic mechanisms involved in the genesis of autism

Resumen El autismo es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo de base neurobiológica, caracterizado por alteración en la interacción social y la comunicación, intereses restringidos y conductas estereotipadas. Se relaciona con trastornos en la sinaptogénesis y a multiples etiologías. La identificación de factores epigenéticos implicados en la génesis del autismo permiten una mejor comprensión de los mecanismos moleculares invo lucrados. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los mecanismos epigenéticos relacionados al desarrollo del autismo, puntualizando entidades específicas y sus mecanismos fisiopatológicos. Analizamos de qué manera se rela cionan los trastornos en la metilación del ADN, la modificación de las histonas, la remodelación cromosómica y la regulación mediada por el ARN no codificantes con diversos síndromes genéticos como el frágil X, Rett, Mecp2patías, Phelam McDermid, tóxicos prenatales como el alcohol, ácido valproico, cannabis y ambientales cómo el estrés materno, todos ellos asociados a una mayor prevalencia de autismo. En conclusión, el recono cimiento de estos mecanismos abre nuevas posibilidades para la prevención, y probablemente en un futuro, en las entidades genéticas, permitirá el desarrollo de tratamientos específicos con modificaciones a la medida de cada entidad.

Abstract Autism is a neurobiological developmental disorder characterized by poor social interaction and communication, narrow interests, and stereotyped behaviors. It has been associated with disorders of synaptogenesis and multiple etiologies. The iden tification of the epigenetic factors involved in the genesis of autism allows a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. Our objective was to analyze the epigenetic mechanisms related to the development of autism, specifying specific entities and their pathophysiological mechanisms. We analyze how DNA methylation disorders, histone modification, remodeling and chromosomal regulation mediated by non-coding RNA are related to various genetic syndromes such as fragile X, Rett, Pathias Mecp2, Phelam McDermid, prenatal toxins such as alcohol, valproic. acid, cannabis, and environmental toxins such as maternal stress, all associated with a higher prevalence of autism. In conclusion: the recognition of these mechanisms opens up new possibilities for preven tion and it is likely that, in genetic entities, it will allow the development of specific treatments with modifications tailored to each entity.

[Epigenetic mechanisms involved in the genesis of autism]. / Mecanismos epigenéticos involucrados en la génesis del autismo.

Autism is a neurobiological developmental disorder characterized by poor social interaction and communication, narrow interests, and stereotyped behaviors. It has been associated with disorders of synaptogenesis and multiple etiologies. The identification of the epigenetic factors involved in the genesis of autism allows a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. Our objective was to analyze the epigenetic mechanisms related to the development of autism, specifying specific entities and their pathophysiological mechanisms. We analyze how DNA methylation disorders, histone modification, remodeling and chromosomal regulation mediated by non-coding RNA are related to various genetic syndromes such as fragile X, Rett, Pathias Mecp2, Phelam McDermid, prenatal toxins such as alcohol, valproic. acid, cannabis, and environmental toxins such as maternal stress, all associated with a higher prevalence of autism. In conclusion: the recognition of these mechanisms opens up new possibilities for prevention and it is likely that, in genetic entities, it will allow the development of specific treatments with modifications tailored to each entity.

El autismo es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo de base neurobiológica, caracterizado por alteración en la interacción social y la comunicación, intereses restringidos y conductas estereotipadas. Se relaciona con trastornos en la sinaptogénesis y a multiples etiologías. La identificación de factores epigenéticos implicados en la génesis del autismo permiten una mejor comprensión de los mecanismos moleculares involucrados. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los mecanismos epigenéticos relacionados al desarrollo del autismo, puntualizando entidades específicas y sus mecanismos fisiopatológicos. Analizamos de qué manera se relacionan los trastornos en la metilación del ADN, la modificación de las histonas, la remodelación cromosómica y la regulación mediada por el ARN no codificantes con diversos síndromes genéticos como el frágil X, Rett, Mecp2patías, Phelam McDermid, tóxicos prenatales como el alcohol, ácido valproico, cannabis y ambientales cómo el estrés materno, todos ellos asociados a una mayor prevalencia de autismo. En conclusión, el reconocimiento de estos mecanismos abre nuevas posibilidades para la prevención, y probablemente en un futuro, en las entidades genéticas, permitirá el desarrollo de tratamientos específicos con modificaciones a la medida de cada entidad.

Dendritic spine membrane proteome and its alterations in autistic spectrum disorder.

Dendritic spines are small protrusions stemming from the dendritic shaft that constitute the primary specialization for receiving and processing excitatory neurotransmission in brain synapses. The disruption of dendritic spine function in several neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases leads to severe information-processing deficits with impairments in neuronal connectivity and plasticity. Spine dysregulation is usually accompanied by morphological alterations to spine shape, size and/or number that may occur at early pathophysiological stages and not necessarily be reflected in clinical manifestations. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one such group of diseases involving changes in neuronal connectivity and abnormal morphology of dendritic spines on postsynaptic neurons. These alterations at the subcellular level correlate with molecular changes in the spine proteome, with alterations in the copy number, topography, or in severe cases in the phenotype of the molecular components, predominantly of those proteins involved in spine recognition and adhesion, reflected in abnormally short lifetimes of the synapse and compensatory increases in synaptic connections. Since cholinergic neurotransmission participates in the regulation of cognitive function (attention, memory, learning processes, cognitive flexibility, social interactions) brain acetylcholine receptors are likely to play an important role in the dysfunctional synapses in ASD, either directly or indirectly via the modulatory functions exerted on other neurotransmitter receptor proteins and spine-resident proteins.

Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Rett Syndrome Caused by Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein-2 Variants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in peripheral blood in Rett syndrome caused by methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2) variants and explore the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in Rett syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Female patients who were diagnosed with Rett syndrome and had an MECP2 variant (n = 142) were recruited in this study, along with the same number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls. MtDNA copy number was quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. The differences in mtDNA copy number between the Rett syndrome group and the control group were analyzed using the independent-samples t test. Linear regression, biserial correlation analysis, and one-way ANOVA were applied for the correlations between mtDNA copy number and age, clinical severity, variant types, functional domains, and hot-spot variants. RESULTS: MtDNA copy number was found to be significantly increased in the patients with Rett syndrome with MECP2 gene variants compared with the control subjects. Age, clinical severity, variant types, functional domains, and hot-spot variants were not related to mtDNA copy number in patients with Rett syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: MtDNA copy number is increased significantly in patients with Rett syndrome, suggesting that changes in mitochondrial function in Rett syndrome trigger a compensatory increase in mtDNA copy number and providing new possibilities for treating Rett syndrome, such as mitochondria-targeted therapies.

[Rett syndrome: report of a new pathogenic variant and review of the literature regarding two clinical cases.] / Síndrome de Rett: reporte de una nueva variante patogénica y revisión de la literatura a propósito de dos casos clínicos.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Rett es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo con una frecuencia estimada de 1/10,000 recién nacidos vivos, el cual se presenta con un modelo de herencia ligado al cromosoma X. Las variantes patogénicas en el gen MECP2, el cual codifica para una proteína que participa en el desarrollo y la diferenciación del sistema nervioso central, causan este síndrome. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir dos casos de síndrome de Rett, uno de ellos con una nueva variante del gen MECP2. CASOS CLÍNICOS: El primer caso se trata de una paciente de 5 años con microcefalia y regresión del neurodesarrollo desde los 3 años. Clínicamente se diagnosticó de síndrome de Rett en estadio III. Se realizó la secuenciación del gen MECP2 y se identificó una variante probablemente patogénica en estado heterocigoto, c.606delC (p.Thr203Argfs*7), que no ha sido reportada previamente. El segundo caso es una paciente de 17 años, referida por discapacidad intelectual grave, que se encontró clínicamente en estadio IV. Se realizó la secuenciación de MECP2 y se identificó una variante patogénica [c.880C>T(p.Arg294*)] ya descrita previamente. CONCLUSIONES: El diagnóstico clínico de síndrome de Rett se llevó a cabo con criterios establecidos. La confirmación diagnóstica fue mediante la secuenciación de MECP2. Para el correcto abordaje de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo es primordial conocer el fenotipo de síndrome de Rett, así como optar por el análisis molecular para la confirmación del diagnóstico. Los pacientes con síndrome de Rett requieren un seguimiento interdisciplinario para disminuir el impacto de las complicaciones. BACKGROUND: Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated frequency of 1/10,000 live births caused by hetereozygous pathogenic variants in the MECP2 gene, whose protein participates in the development and differentiation of the central nervous system. This study aimed to describe two cases with Rett syndrome diagnosis, one of them with a new variant of the MECP2 gene. CASE REPORTS: We first describe the case of a 5-year-old female with microcephaly and neurodevelopmental regression starting at 3 years old, clinically corresponding to stage III Rett syndrome. Sequencing of the MECP2 gene identified a heterozygous likely pathogenic variant [c.606delC (p.Thr203Argfs*7)] not reported previously. The second case is a 17-year-old female, referred due to severe intellectual disability, clinically found on stage IV. MECP2 sequencing was performed identifying a pathogenic variant previously described [c.880C> T (p.Arg294 *)]. CONCLUSIONS: Rett syndrome clinical diagnosis was carried out based on established criteria. MECP2 sequencing confirmed the diagnosis. For neurodevelopmental disorders approach, it is essential to know the phenotype of Rett syndrome and select the molecular tool for the diagnosis. Patients with Rett syndrome require interdisciplinary follow-up for reducing the impact of complications.

Síndrome de Rett: reporte de una nueva variante patogénica y revisión de la literatura a propósito de dos casos clínicos / Rett syndrome: report of a new pathogenic variant and review of the literature regarding two clinical cases

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Rett es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo con una frecuencia estimada de 1/10,000 recién nacidos vivos, el cual se presenta con un modelo de herencia ligado al cromosoma X. Las variantes patogénicas en el gen MECP2, el cual codifica para una proteína que participa en el desarrollo y la diferenciación del sistema nervioso central, causan este síndrome. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir dos casos de síndrome de Rett, uno de ellos con una nueva variante del gen MECP2. Casos clínicos: El primer caso se trata de una paciente de 5 años con microcefalia y regresión del neurodesarrollo desde los 3 años. Clínicamente se diagnosticó de síndrome de Rett en estadio III. Se realizó la secuenciación del gen MECP2 y se identificó una variante probablemente patogénica en estado heterocigoto, c.606delC (p.Thr203Argfs*7), que no ha sido reportada previamente. El segundo caso es una paciente de 17 años, referida por discapacidad intelectual grave, que se encontró clínicamente en estadio IV. Se realizó la secuenciación de MECP2 y se identificó una variante patogénica [c.880C>T(p.Arg294*)] ya descrita previamente. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico clínico de síndrome de Rett se llevó a cabo con criterios establecidos. La confirmación diagnóstica fue mediante la secuenciación de MECP2. Para el correcto abordaje de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo es primordial conocer el fenotipo de síndrome de Rett, así como optar por el análisis molecular para la confirmación del diagnóstico. Los pacientes con síndrome de Rett requieren un seguimiento interdisciplinario para disminuir el impacto de las complicaciones.

Abstract Background: Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated frequency of 1/10,000 live births caused by hetereozygous pathogenic variants in the MECP2 gene, whose protein participates in the development and differentiation of the central nervous system. This study aimed to describe two cases with Rett syndrome diagnosis, one of them with a new variant of the MECP2 gene. Case reports: We first describe the case of a 5-year-old female with microcephaly and neurodevelopmental regression starting at 3 years old, clinically corresponding to stage III Rett syndrome. Sequencing of the MECP2 gene identified a heterozygous likely pathogenic variant [c.606delC (p.Thr203Argfs*7)] not reported previously. The second case is a 17-year-old female, referred due to severe intellectual disability, clinically found on stage IV. MECP2 sequencing was performed identifying a pathogenic variant previously described [c.880C> T (p.Arg294 *)]. Conclusions: Rett syndrome clinical diagnosis was carried out based on established criteria. MECP2 sequencing confirmed the diagnosis. For neurodevelopmental disorders approach, it is essential to know the phenotype of Rett syndrome and select the molecular tool for the diagnosis. Patients with Rett syndrome require interdisciplinary follow-up for reducing the impact of complications.

Longitudinal Evaluation of the Stability of Hand Function in Rett Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longitudinal stability of hand function in Rett syndrome and to analyze further the relationships between stability of hand function and genotype, age, and walking ability. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal video data of functional abilities of individuals with genetically confirmed Rett syndrome were collected by families of individuals registered with the Australian Rett Syndrome Database. A total of 120 individuals provided 290 recordings from which 170 observation pairs were available for comparison. The Rett Syndrome Hand Function Scale was used to classify a level of hand function observed in each video on a range from unable to grasp, pick up, and hold objects to skillful manipulation of large and small objects. RESULTS: Approximately one-third of the population lost some hand function over time. Younger children (<6 years) rather than adults were at greater risk of deterioration in hand function. Clinical severity, as indicated by walking ability or genotype, played a lesser role. There was no identified pattern between genotype and the stability of hand function skills. Rather, mutations associated with milder (p.Arg133Cys, p.Arg294∗) and greater (p.Arg106Trp, p.Thr158Met) clinical severity were both associated with greater risks of decline. CONCLUSIONS: Genotype was a lesser predictor of loss of hand function beyond the early regression period, and younger children were particularly vulnerable to further loss of hand function compared with adults.

Factores de riesgo perinatal asociados al trastorno del espectro autista y al síndrome de Rett / Perinatal risk factors associated with autistic spectrum disorder and the Rett syndrome

Resumen El propósito de este proyecto fue identificar los factores de riesgo perinatal asociados al trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) y al síndrome de Rett y compararlos entre sí, estando enmarcado dentro de un estudio de tipo descriptivo. Para esta investigación se utilizó una unidad de análisis conformada por 421 historias clínicas, de las que 377 fueron de TEA y 44 de Rett, a las cuales se les aplicó un instrumento especializado en identificar factores de riesgo perinatales llamado Cuestionario Materno de Riesgo Perinatal (CMRP), con el que se encontró una gran prevalencia de niños nacidos por cesárea y que las ocupaciones de sus padres estaban relacionadas con los cuidados requeridos por el trastorno. Esta identificación de factores servirá para la toma de precauciones a nivel clínico médico y a nivel de prevención de los riesgos asociados al trastorno del espectro autista y el síndrome de Rett.

Abstract The purpose of this project was to identify the perinatal risk factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Rett Syndrome and compare them to each other, being framed within a descriptive study; For this research, an analysis unit consisting of 421 medical records was used, of which 377 were from ASD and 44 from Rett, to which a specialized instrument was applied to identify perinatal risk factors called the Maternal Perinatal Risk Questionnaire (MPRQ ), which found a high prevalence of children born by caesarean section and that their parents' occupations were related to the care required by the disorder. This identification of factors will serve to take precautions at the medical clinical level and at the level of prevention of the risks associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Rett Syndrome.

Hand Stereotypies in Rett Syndrome.

Researchers from the Rett Syndrome Natural History Study (RNHS) present longitudinal data across the United States of America aimed to characterize hand stereotypies (HS) in this large cohort of patients with Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome: the Brazilian contribution to the gene discovery / Síndrome de Rett: a contribuição brasileira para a descoberta do gene

ABSTRACT A brief history of the syndrome discovered by Andreas Rett is reported in this paper. Although having been described in 1966, the syndrome was only recognized by the international community after a report by Hagberg et al. in 1983. Soon, its importance was evident as a relatively frequent cause of severe encephalopathy among girls. From the beginning it was difficult to explain the absence of male patients and the almost total predominance of sporadic cases (99%), with very few familial cases. For these reasons, it was particularly difficult to investigate this condition until 1997, when a particular Brazilian family greatly helped in the final discovery of the gene, and in the clarification of its genetic mechanism. Brief references are made to the importance of the MECP2 gene, 18 years later, as well as to its role in synaptogenesis and future prospects.

RESUMO Uma breve história de uma síndrome neurológica descoberta por Andreas Rett é relatada neste artigo. Embora tenha ocorrido em 1966, a síndrome só foi reconhecida pela comunidade internacional após um relato de Hagberget al, em 1983. Logo, sua importância ficou evidente como causa relativamente frequente de encefalopatia grave entre as crianças do sexo feminino. Desde o início, foi difícil explicar a ausência de envolvimento de pacientes do sexo masculino e a quase absoluta preponderância de casos esporádicos (99%), com muitos poucos casos familiares. Por essas razões, foi difícil investigar essa condição até 1997, quando uma família brasileira em particular ajudou muito na descoberta final do gene e no esclarecimento de seu mecanismo genético. São feitas referências sucintas à importância do gene MECP2, dezoito anos depois, bem como ao seu papel na sinaptogênese e nas perspectivas futuras.

Microduplication of Xp22.31 and MECP2 Pathogenic Variant in a Girl with Rett Syndrome: A Case Report.

Rett syndrome (RS) is a neurodevelopmental infantile disease characterized by an early normal psychomotor development followed by a regression in the acquisition of normal developmental stages. In the majority of cases, it leads to a sporadic mutation in the MECP2 gene, which is located on the X chromosome. However, this syndrome has also been associated with microdeletions, gene translocations, and other gene mutations. A 12-year-old female Colombian patient was presented with refractory epilepsy and regression in skill acquisition (especially language with motor and verbal stereotypies, hyperactivity, and autistic spectrum disorder criteria). The patient was born to non-consanguineous parents and had an early normal development until the age of 36 months. Comparative genomic hybridization array-CGH (750K) was performed and Xp22.31 duplication was detected (6866889-8115153) with a size of 1.248 Mb associated with developmental delay, epilepsy, and autistic traits. Given the clinical criteria of RS, MECP2 sequencing was performed which showed a de novo pathogenic variant c.338C>G (p.Pro113Arg). The features of RS include intellectual disability, developmental delay, and autism. These features are associated with copy number variations (CNVs) on the X chromosome (Xp22.31 microduplication). Here we present the first reported case of simultaneous CNV and MECP2 pathogenic mutation in a patient with RS. We propose that both DNA alterations might have a synergistic effect and could lead to variable expressivity of the phenotype.

Altered Gene Expression of Thyroid Hormone Transporters and Deiodinases in iPS MeCP2-Knockout Cells-Derived Neurons.

MeCP2 is an X-linked gene; its mutation causes Rett Syndrome (RTT), a severe neurodevelopmental disability that affects mainly girls. Acting as a transcription factor, the MeCP2 protein is able to regulate several hormone-related genes, such as the thyroid hormones (TH), which are known to play an important role in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Although only a few studies have associated RTT and TH, TH deficit can lead to neurological deregulation by triggering functional deficiencies during adulthood. Here, we used human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) to generate MeCP2-knockout neuronal progenitor cells and adult neurons. Using this cellular model, we then investigated the expression of genes associated with TH homeostasis, such as the TH transporters (LAT1, LAT2, MCT8, MCT10, and OATP4A1) and deiodinases (DIO1, 2, and 3). Then, we treated the neural cells with THs and analyzed the expression of several genes related to neurodevelopment and functional maintenance. Our results showed that several TH-related genes, such as deiodinases, are altered in RTT samples when compared to WT cells. Moreover, the treatment of the neural cells with THs increased the amount of MAP2 and synapsin-1 expression in RTT cells. Our work provided evidences that TH homeostasis is compromised in RTT-derived neural cells, which could be an important factor to contribute to the imbalance in the neurodevelopmental phenotype presented in this syndrome and can lead us to better understand other neurodevelopmental diseases.

Síndrome de Rett: Análisis molecular del gen MECP2 en pacientes chilenas / Rett syndrome: MECP2 gene molecular analysis in Chilean patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Rett (RTT) es un trastorno neurológico progresivo caracterizado por producir una regresión del desarrollo psicomotor en niñas previamente sanas. La mayoría de los casos son causados por variantes patogénicas en el gen MECP2, que codifica para la proteína methyl CpG- binding protein 2. OBJETIVO: Describir la frecuencia y el tipo de variantes patogénicas en MECP2 en mujeres chilenas con diagnóstico clínico de RTT. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se invitó a participar en este estudio a mujeres chilenas con sospecha clínica de RTT. Se reunió información clínica mediante un cuestionario. Se analizaron variantes patogénicas en MECP2 mediante el método de secuenciación de Sanger y se utilizó Multiple Ligation-dependant Probe Amplification (MLPA) para la detección de duplicaciones y deleciones. RESULTADO: El estudio incluyó 14 pacientes con sospecha de RTT, de las cuales 8 (57%) pacientes tuvieron variantes patogénicas. Las restantes permanecen sin diagnóstico molecular. CONCLUSIÓN: Variantes patogénicas en MECP2 están presentes en pacientes chilenas con RTT. Es probable que haya otros genes o diagnósticos involucrados en las pacientes sin hallazgos en MECP2. A partir de este trabajo, el diagnóstico molecular está disponible en Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by regres sion of psychomotor development in previously healthy girls. Most cases are due to pathogenic va riants in the MECP2 gene which encodes for the methyl CpG-binding protein 2. OBJECTIVE: To des cribe the frequency and type of pathogenic variants in the MECP2 gene in Chilean female patients with clinical diagnosis of RTT. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Chilean women with clinical suspicion of RTT were invited to participate in the study. Clinical data were collected through a questionnaire. MECP2 pathogenic variants were analyzed by Sanger sequencing method and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) was used to detect duplications or deletions. RESULTS: The study in cluded 14 patients with suspected RTT, of which eight (57%) patients had pathogenic variants. The other patients remain without molecular diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenic variants in MECP2 are present in Chilean patients with RTT. It is likely that there are other genes or diagnoses involved in patients without MECP2 findings. As of this study, molecular diagnosis is available in Chile.

P152R Mutation Within MeCP2 Can Cause Loss of DNA-Binding Selectivity.

MeCP2 is a protein highly expressed in the brain that participates in the genetic expression and RNA splicing regulation. MeCP2 binds preferably to methylated DNA and other nuclear corepressors to alter chromatin. MECP2 gene mutations can cause rett syndrome (RTT), a severe neurological disorder that affects around one in ten thousand girls. In this paper, Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to scrutinize how the MeCP2 P152R mutation influences the protein binding to DNA. Also, the Umbrella Sampling technique was used to obtain the potential mean forces (PMFs) of both wild-type and mutated MeCP2 Methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) binding to both non-methylated and methylated DNA. P152R is a common missense mutation in MBD associated with RTT; however, there are no studies that explain how it causes protein dysfunction. The results from this study hypothesize that P152R mutation leads to MBD binding more strongly to DNA, while selectively decreasing binding affinity to methylated DNA. These provide an explanation for previous not conclusive experimental results regarding the mechanism of how this mutation affects the binding of the protein to DNA, and subsequently its effects on RTT. Furthermore, the results of this research-in-progress can be used as the basis for further investigations into the molecular basis of RTT and to potentially reveal a target for therapy in the future.

Transtornos autísticos e estratégias promotoras de cuidados: revisão integrativa / Trastornos autísticos y estratégias promotoras de cuidados: revisión integradora / Autistic disorders and care promotion strategies: integrative review

Objetivo analisar a produção científica brasileira recente sobre Transtornos do Espectro Autista, identificando as estratégias de cuidados investigadas. Método revisão integrativa de literatura na base de dados LILACS e na biblioteca virtual SciELO. Foram selecionados artigos publicados entre 2011 e 2017, utilizando os descritores Transtorno Autístico, Síndrome de Asperger e Síndrome de Rett. Resultados vinte e quatro artigos foram caracterizados e analisados descritivamente, com exposição dos seus níveis de evidência. Doze estudos (50%) representavam pesquisas descritivas, nível de evidência VI. Onze estudos (45,8%) equivaliam a delineamento não experimental, nível de evidência IV. A estratégia mais estudada foi de diagnóstico e avaliação para a prática clínica, com aplicação de instrumentos já validados, seguida de avaliação de resultados terapêuticos. Conclusão a produção científica brasileira atual sobre Transtorno do Espectro Autista mostrou-se direcionada para o enfoque diagnóstico nas áreas de fonoaudiologia e psicologia.

Objetivo analizar la producción científica brasileña reciente sobre Trastornos del Espectro Autista, identificando las estrategias de cuidados investigadas. Método revisión integradora de literatura en la base de datos LILACS y en la biblioteca virtual SciELO. Fueron seleccionados artículos publicados entre 2011 y 2017, utilizando los descriptores Trastorno Autístico, Síndrome de Asperger y Síndrome de Rett. Resultados veinte y cuatro artículos fueron caracterizados y analizados descriptivamente, con exposición de sus niveles de evidencia. Doce estudios (50%) representaban investigaciones descriptivas, nivel de evidencia VI. Once estudios (45,8%) correspondían a diseño no experimental, nivel de evidencia IV. La estrategia más estudiada fue de diagnóstico y evaluación para la práctica clínica, con aplicación de instrumentos ya validados, seguida de evaluación de resultados terapéuticos. Conclusión la producción científica brasileña actual sobre Trastorno del Espectro Autista se mostró orientada al enfoque diagnóstico en las áreas de fonoaudiología y psicología.

Objective to analyze the recent Brazilian scientific production about Autism Spectrum Disorders, identifying the investigated care strategies. Method integrative literature review in the database LILACS and in the virtual library SciELO. Articles published between 2011 and 2017 were selected, using the descriptors Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome and Rett Syndrome. Results twenty four articles were characterized and analyzed descriptively, and their levels of evidence were presented. Twelve studies (50%) represented descriptive research, level of evidence VI. Eleven studies (45.8%) had non-experimental designs, level of evidence IV. The most studied strategy was the diagnosis and evaluation for clinical practice, by applying validated tools, followed by the assessment of therapeutic outcomes. Conclusion current Brazilian scientific production about Autism Spectrum Disorder was focused on diagnosis in speech therapy and psychology.

Síndrome de Rett: revisión de la literatura con primeros casos reportados en Colombia con caracterización clínica y molecular / Rett syndrome: review of the literature and first cases reported in Colombia with clinical characterization and molecular diagnosis

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome de Rett es una condición neurológica severa y la segunda causa genética de retraso mental profundo en mujeres. Se genera por mutaciones en el gen MECP2 y es caracterizada por una pérdida de las ganancias psicomotoras, con una prevalencia general estimada de 1:10.000 niñas, según la extrapolación de algunos estudios europeos. OBJETIVOS: Realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre el síndrome de Rett y presentar una serie de casos diagnosticados en Colombia por clínica y prueba molecular. METODOLOGÍA: Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica y de reportes de casos en 21 bases de datos internacionales, más de 14 revistas del área de la salud y dos motores de búsqueda generales entre 2014 y 2016. Los casos presentados fueron seleccionados de la consulta de genética médica realizada por los autores. HALLAZGOS: No se encontró ningún caso colombiano de síndrome de Rett, ni confirmado con prueba molecular en Latinoamérica. Se reporta así la primera serie de casos nacional y la mayor latinoamericana, conformada por siete pacientes con tipo clásico y tres atípicos, todas con diagnóstico molecular. CONCLUSIONES: Pese a tener una evolución clínica caracterizada, su baja prevalencia y amplio espectro clínico convierten al síndrome de Rett en un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. La mutación c.749_750insT se reporta por primera vez, la c.473C>G por segunda en la literatura y la c.763C>T se presenta en dos pacientes con fenotipos totalmente distintos, lo que confirma la no correlación genotipo-fenotipo de la enfermedad.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Rett Syndrome is a severe neurological condition and the second genetic cause of profound mental retardation in women. It is generated by mutations in the MECP2 gene and it is characterized by a loss of psychomotor gains, with an estimated overall prevalence of 1:10,000 girls, according to the extrapolation of some European studies. Objectives. To make a review of Rett Syndrome and to present a series of cases diagnosed in Colombia by clinical criteria and molecular tests. METHODOLOGY: We made a bibliographic research in 21 international databases, more than 14 health journals and two general search engines between 2014 and 2016. The cases presented were selected from the Medical Genetics consultation carried out by the authors. FINDINGS: No Colombian case of Rett Syndrome was found nor confirmed with molecular testing in Latin America. We report the first cases in Colombia and the largest in Latin America, consisting of seven patients with classic type and three with atypical type, all with molecular diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of having a characterized clinical evolution, its low prevalence and broad clinical spectrum, make Rett Syndrome a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report for the first time the mutation c.749_750insT, the c.473C> G for second time in the literature and the c.763C> T is presented in two patients with totally different phenotypes, confirming the non-correlation genotype-phenotype of the disease.