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Rett syndrome
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Rett syndromeOn this page:
Reviewed October 2011
What is Rett syndrome?Rett syndrome is a brain disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls. The most common form of the condition is known as classic Rett syndrome. After birth, girls with classic Rett syndrome have 6 to 18 months of apparently normal development before developing severe problems with communication and language, learning, coordination, and other brain functions. Early in childhood, affected girls lose purposeful use of their hands and begin making repeated hand wringing, washing, or clapping motions. They tend to grow more slowly than other children and have a small head size (microcephaly). Other signs and symptoms can include breathing abnormalities, seizures, an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine (scoliosis), and sleep disturbances. Researchers have described several variants of Rett syndrome with overlapping signs and symptoms. The atypical forms of this disorder include a very severe type known as the congenital variant, which has no period of normal development, and an early-onset seizure variant characterized by seizures that begin in infancy. How common is Rett syndrome?This condition affects an estimated 1 in 10,000 females. What genes are related to Rett syndrome?The vast majority of cases of classic Rett syndrome are caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein (MeCP2) that is critical for normal brain function. Although the exact function of the MeCP2 protein is unknown, it likely plays a role in maintaining connections (synapses) between nerve cells. Researchers believe that this protein has several functions, including regulating other genes in the brain by switching them off when they are not needed. The MeCP2 protein may also control the production of different versions of certain proteins in nerve cells. Although mutations in the MECP2 gene disrupt the normal function of nerve cells, it is unclear how these mutations lead to the signs and symptoms of classic Rett syndrome. The congenital variant of Rett syndrome results from mutations in the FOXG1 gene. The protein produced from this gene regulates several other genes involved in brain development. If the FOXG1 gene is altered or missing, it disrupts early brain development and leads to intellectual disability, absent language, and other features of the congenital variant. Mutations in the CDKL5 gene cause the early-onset seizure variant of Rett syndrome. The CDKL5 gene provides instructions for making a protein that appears to be essential for normal brain function. Although little is known about this protein's function, it has been found to interact with the MeCP2 protein. Researchers are working to determine how mutations in the CDKL5 gene lead to seizures and the other signs and symptoms of the early-onset seizure variant of Rett syndrome. How do people inherit Rett syndrome?More than 99 percent of people with classic Rett syndrome have no history of the disorder in their family. Many of these cases result from new mutations in the MECP2 gene. A few families with more than one affected family member have been described. These cases helped researchers determine that classic Rett syndrome has an X-linked dominant pattern of inheritance. A condition is considered X-linked if the mutated gene that causes the disorder is located on the X chromosome, one of the two sex chromosomes. The inheritance is dominant if one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the condition. Males with mutations in the MECP2 gene often die in infancy. However, a small number of males with a genetic change involving MECP2 have developed signs and symptoms similar to those of Rett syndrome, including intellectual disability, seizures, and movement problems. Where can I find information about diagnosis or management of Rett syndrome?These resources address the diagnosis or management of Rett syndrome and may include treatment providers.
You might also find information on the diagnosis or management of Rett syndrome in Educational resources and Patient support. General information about the diagnosis and management of genetic conditions is available in the Handbook. To locate a healthcare provider, see How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. Where can I find additional information about Rett syndrome?You may find the following resources about Rett syndrome helpful. These materials are written for the general public.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for healthcare professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for Rett syndrome?
For more information about naming genetic conditions, see the Genetics Home Reference Condition Naming Guidelines and How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook. What if I still have specific questions about Rett syndrome?Where can I find general information about genetic conditions?The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful. What glossary definitions help with understanding Rett syndrome?ataxia ; atypical ; autism ; cell ; chromosome ; congenital ; dementia ; gene ; hyperammonemia ; inheritance ; microcephaly ; mutation ; nerve cell ; new mutation ; pattern of inheritance ; protein ; scoliosis ; seizure ; sex chromosomes ; sign ; spectrum ; symptom ; synapse ; syndrome ; X-linked dominant You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary. See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (13 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook. |