Uncovering the genetic mechanism behind Rett syndrome

(Kyushu University) Kyushu University researchers found that the main gene that causes Rett syndrome, MeCP2, controls the differentiation pattern of neural stem cells through the microRNA miR-199a. Dysfunction in MeCP2 or miR-199a cause neural stem cells to produce more astrocytes than neurons. Furthermore, the researchers found that miR-199a mediates the production of Smad1, a downstream transcription factor of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news