Previously Funded Research

Meaningful research requires incremental progress and building upon prior discoveries. For decades, we have funded a wide spectrum of Rett and Rett-related research initiatives, including genetic approaches, fundamental biology, developing non-genetic approaches, clinical research, and more. 

Determine the role of loss of MECP2 in human Rett Brain

This project is aimed at examining Rett brain samples to learn which types of neurons are most susceptible to the disease and whether the disease is caused by differences in the proportion of various neuronal subtypes. This study will not only point to novel therapeutic targets, but will also help determine which laboratory models most accurately approximate authentic Rett Syndrome.
Innovation Award, 2021

Mitochondrial Dynamics and Astrocyte Contribution to Development of RTT Pathophysiology in Human ESC-derived Cerebral Organoids

This proposal aims to understand how when astrocytes – a type of cell found in the brain – carrying a MECP2 mutation influence brain organization and function. The approach employs mini-brains stimulated by gentle electrical pulses.
Mentored Training Fellowship, 2021

Human microglial cells as a therapeutic target in Rett Syndrome

Microglial cells are the resident immune cells of the brain. Adding healthy microglial cells onto Rett neurons improves their function, suggesting that microglial cells play an essential role in neuronal communication. This project tests several pharmacological drugs aiming to restore the microglial function, testing them in both cell cultures and Rett mouse models.
Innovation Award, 2021

A new view on Rett syndrome and its treatment through whole-brain functional connectomics in model mice

This project aims to visualize whole-brain communication networks at single neuron scale to study abnormalities in Rett syndrome model mice, males and females, at different points in the disease progression.
innovation award, 2021

Exploring the contribution of transposable elements for the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome

A large portion of our genome is made of repetitive elements that can self-propagate. In the human brain, their activity is believed to be important for neuronal plasticity; however, in Rett syndrome, some of these elements were shown to be over-active in neuronal cells. This project tests if this over-activity contributes to the disease process by employing a combination of cellular models, advanced genome engineering technologies, and bioinformatics.
Innovation Award, 2021

Development of an in vivo human neuronal model for MECP2 related disorders

Most Rett syndrome research relies on animal models, which can limit insights into human brain mutations. This project utilizes patient-derived stem cells and transplants them into developing mouse brains to study brain development and behavior, hoping to gain insights for potential treatments.
Basic Research Award, 2020

In-silico optimized guideRNAs to revert monogenetic diseases by site-directed RNA editing

Dr. Stafforst’s lab has developed a new way of performing gene-modifying therapy that utilizes RNA editing, a process that modifies the specific RNA intermediate made from a gene before it is used to make a functional protein product. This research will determine if the lab’s RNA editing technology can treat Rett syndrome.
Basic Research Award, 2020

Functional Analysis of an Enhancer-like Element Required for Xist Expression

Reactivating the silent X-chromosome may provide females with Rett syndrome the normal MeCP2 protein their cells need for proper functioning. This research explores a novel method of X-chromosome reactivation identified by Dr. Snyder’s lab.
Basic Research Award, 2020

Cellular and molecular drug screening system for Rett syndrome therapy

Drug screening methods in mouse models are time-consuming and costly. This proposal aims to develop a reproducible drug screening system using cell cultures from RTT mouse models. This approach will streamline the testing process and provide a more efficient way to identify potential treatments for clinical trials.
HeART-Translational Research Award, 2020

Pathophysiological structure, interactomics, and function of the N-terminus of MeCP2-E1 and its disease-related mutants

Rett syndrome is caused by mutations in the MeCP2 protein, some of which are present in a part of the protein called the N-terminus. This research will determine if and how these mutations alter MeCP2 protein shape and how it interacts with other proteins.
Basic Research Award, 2020

Investigation of the therapeutic potential of a lead like mGluR7 activator for Rett syndrome

The mGluR7 glutamate receptor is a promising target for treating Rett syndrome, linked to the MECP2 protein. Research shows that modulating mGluR7 can improve symptoms in mouse models, like breathing and social deficits. While selective compounds have been developed, these studies will assess their effects on behavior and gene expression in treated mice, supporting mGluR7 as a potential therapeutic target for future clinical use.
HeART-Translational Research Award, 2020

Thalamo-cortical signaling in female Rett model mice

The brain cells of females with Rett syndrome are of mixed MeCP2 protein status (e.g. some cells have normal MeCP2 while others have a mutant MeCP2 that causes Rett syndrome). This research teases apart how this mixed MeCP2 status impacts communication among brain cells.
Basic Research Award, 2020

Investigating the role of microglia in Rett syndrome using multiple human cellular models

Microglia, the brain’s immune cells, play a key role in both inflammation and development. Research indicates their function is altered in Rett syndrome, impacting the disorder. This project is aimed at creating human microglia models from Rett patients’ cells to explore their role in the disease and test potential new treatments.
Basic Research Award, 2020

Evaluation of AAV9-BDNF treatment in two mouse models of RTT

Increased Bdnf expression can rescue certain deficits associated with MeCP2 deficiency in mice, which raises the possibility of using Bdnf as a therapeutic tool for Rett syndrome. This project will test this idea by evaluating the effect of AAV9-Bdnf treatment in two mouse models of RTT.
basic research Award, 2019

Drug Discovery Screen in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

SCOUT Program Award, 2019

Can non-invasive interventions synergistically enhance the efficacy of MECP2 gene therapy?

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2019

Clinical characterization of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome and validation of a biomarker to prepare for therapeutic intervention

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2019

Reactivating the silent MECP2 allele through a synergistic drug mechanism

ANGEL-Translational Award, 2019

RTT Consortium Database Administration

Database Grant, 2019

RSBQ Characterization: Normative Reference Values and Factor Structure in Children and Adults

Clinical Research Award, 2019

Drug Discovery Screen in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

SCOUT Program Award, 2018

Understanding the Molecular Etiology of Rett Syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2018

Using wearable devices and ecological momentary assessment to define clinical severity in RTT

Clinical Research Award, 2018

The Impact of IL-6 on the interplay between neurons and astrocytes in Rett Syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2018

Restoration of Homeostasis of downstream targets of MeCP2 as a potential therapeutic of Rett Syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2018

Individualized home based remote rehabilitation programs for individuals with Rett syndrome and their families

HeART Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2018

Effect of Positive Allosteric modulation of Dopamine D2 Receptors on Respiration in Mouse models of Rett Syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2018

Hyperactive GABAergic mutations and Rett syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2018

Characterizing Biomarkers of Epileptogenesis in Rett Syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2018

Implementing telehealth support to increase physical activity in girls and women with Rett syndrome

Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2018

Painless NGF: testing the rescue of Rett syndrome neuronal degeneration through its actions on microglia

Translational Research Award, 2018

Behavioral Disorders in Rett Syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2018

Identification of biomarkers of IGF1’s related drugs in Rett syndrome

This project analyzes blood samples from Rett syndrome patients treated with trofinetide in phase 2 clinical trials and their relative clinical information to identify the molecular markers present in responders to the drug.
translation research award, 2017

Drug Discovery Screen in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

SCOUT Program Award, 2017

Transgenic T. gondii as a platform for MeCP2 protein delivery to the CNS

Basic Research Award, 2017

Cognitive Outcome Measures for Rett Syndrome: Assessment of Reliability and Stability

Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2017

Exploring nonsense suppression as a treatment for Rett syndrome

Translational Research Award, 2017

Tailoring gene replacement therapy for MECP2-related disorders

Basic Research Award, 2017

Exploration of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 as a target for MeCP2-related disorders

Basic Research Award, 2017

Wearable Sensors for Multifunctional Assessment in Rett Syndrome

Translational Research Award, 2017

Reactivating the silent MECP2 allele through a synergistic drug mechanism

Translational Research Award, 2017

Cortical inhibitory mechanism governing auditory perception in MeCP2+/-

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2017

Towards identifying therapeutic targets of MECP2 deficiency

Translational Research Award, 2017

Testing potential regulators of BDNF expression to identify candidate Rett syndrome therapeutics

Basic Research Award, 2017

Programmable transcription of MeCP2 in patient iPSC-derived neurons using CRISPR/dCas9 as a putative therapeutic for Rett Syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2017

Two-photon imaging of excitatory/inhibitory cortical activity in mosaic Mecp2 female animal model

Basic Research Award, 2017

Improving Upper Extremity Motor Skills in Children with RTT Using Selected Movements to Control Internet Virtual Reality Computer Games

Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2017

In Vitro and In Vivo Validation of Candidate Drugs to Treat Rett Syndrome

Translational Research Award, 2017

Trofinetide Phase 2 Pediatric Trial

Contract - Clinical Trials, 2016

A Phase 2b placebo-controlled crossover study of rhIGF1 (mecasermin [DNA] injection) for treatment of Rett syndrome and development of Rett-specific novel biomarkers of cortical and autonomic function.

Angel Awards - Clinical Trials, 2016

The InterRett database: achieving international breadth and longitudinal depth in Rett syndrome

Database Grant, 2016

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Titration of ANAVEX 2-73 in Patients with Rett Syndrome

Angel Awards - Clinical Trials, 2016

Drug Discovery Screen in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

SCOUT Program Award, 2016

RettBASE: IRSF MECP2 Variation Database – a Global Resource

Database Grant, 2016

A Phase 2 clinical trial of trofinetide, also known as NNZ-2566, for females with Rett Syndrome ages 5-15

Clinical Trial Funding, 2015

A Phase 2b placebo-controlled cross-over study of rh-IGF1 (mecasermin [DNA] injection) for treatment of Rett syndrome and development of Rett-specific novel biomarkers of cortical and autonomic function

Clinical Trial Funding, 2015

Identification of Impairments in Attention Associated with Rett Syndrome

HeART-Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2015

Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of MeCP2 Isoform-Specific Regulation in Brain Cells

Basic Research Award, 2015

Role of mTOR pathway in the pathogenesis of Rett syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2015

UCSD Integrated Read-through Program for Rett Syndrome

Angel Awards - Read-Through Program, 2015

Characterization of the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Rett Syndrome

Heart Award, 2015

Exosome-mediated cell-cell communication in Rett Syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2015

Targeting IL-1-mediated inflammation and associated dysbiosis to treat Rett syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2015

Synaptic mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies for Rett Syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2015

Reversing speech sound processing deficits in Rett syndrome

Heart Award, 2015

Evaluation of a Novel Therapeutic Intervention to Improve Motor Function in Rett Syndrome

Heart Award, 2015

Understanding microglia diversity and IGF signaling in Rett Syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2015

Investigating TRPM2 As A Therapeutic Target For Rett Syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2015

Characterizing and evaluating movement disorders and understanding structural and functional network abnormalities in Rett Syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2015

An evaluation of environmental enrichment for young girls with Rett syndrome

HeART-Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2015

Development of Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Communication in Individuals with Rett Syndrome

Heart Award, 2015

Scout Program: A Drug Discovery Screen in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

SCOUT Program Award, 2015

Molecular Mechanisms of Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity in Mecp2 KO Neurons

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2014

Characterization of a Novel Activity-Dependent Phosphorylation Site on MECP2

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2014

Inhibitory interneuron dysfunction in network activity in female Mecp2 mice

Basic Research Award, 2014

Analogs of (1-3)IGF-1 (glypromate) for the improvement of hippocampal dysfunction in female Mecp2 heterozygous mice: a preclinical trial for Rett syndrome

Heart Award - SCOUT Program, 2014

Auditory processing, language, and learning in Rett and Rett-related disorders

HeART-Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2014

NLX-101 – a novel, highly selective and potent serotonergic 5-HT1A receptor agonist for the treatment of respiratory arrhythmias in Rett Syndrome: a pre-clinical proof-of-principle study in murine models

Angel Award, 2014

New Methods to Assess Cognition and Affect in Girls with Rett Syndrome

HeART-Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2014

Effects of NMDA receptor modulators on network activity in a human iPSC-derived model of cortical dysfunction in Rett Syndrome

Heart Award, 2014

InterRETT

Database Contract, 2014

Targeting Protein Degradation Pathways to Treat RTT

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2014

Investigating Visual Attention to Print in Children with Rett Syndrome

HeART-Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2014

Immune pathology and bone marrow transplantation in disorders of MeCP2 overexpression

Basic Research Award, 2014

A Phase 2b placebo-controlled cross-over study of rh-IGF1 (mecasermin [DNA] injection) for treatment of Rett syndrome and development of Rett-specific novel biomarkers of cortical and autonomic function

Supplemental funding to current project, 2014

Brain Delivery of BDNF via novel Nano-formulation for Treatment of Rett Syndrome

Heart Award, 2014

Consequences of altered DNA Methylation/hydroxymethylation caused by the loss of MeCP2 in neurons

Basic Research Award, 2014

Sensory Neural Network Alterations in Rett Syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2014

A randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial of NNZ-2566 (IGF-1{1-3}, glycyl-L-2-methylprolyl-L-glutamine acid) with open label extension in adults with Rett syndrome

Supplemental funding to current project, 2014

Restoring the AKT/mTOR pathway to Treat Rett syndrome

Heart Award - SCOUT Program, 2014

Drug Therapy Targeted to Core Molecules in Neural Plasticity Cascades: A Promising Tool for the CDKL5 Variant of Rett Syndrome

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2014

Assessing NMDAr modulators to ameliorate cortical regression in Rett Syndrome

Heart Award, 2014

Improving Upper Extremity Motor Skills in Children with RTT Using Selected Movements to Control Internet Virtual Reality Computer Games

HeART-Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2014

Preclinical evaluation of the bacterial protein CNF1 as a novel therapeutic approach for Rett syndrome

Heart Award - SCOUT Program, 2014

RettBASE

Database Contract, 2014

Assessing oculomotor function in Rett syndrome using integrated EEG and eye tracking technology

Mentored Training Fellowship, 2014

Scout Program: A Drug Discovery Screen in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome

Supplemental funding to current project, 2014

Rett Syndrome Rat Model Working Group

New Research Program, 2014

Sensory Integration to Increase Functional Reaching in Children with Rett syndrome and related disorders

HeART-Neuro-Habilitation Award, 2014

A biophysical basis for cellular and developmental regulation by MeCP2

Basic Research Award, 2014

Post-transcriptional control of MECP2 expression during human development and disease

Basic Research Award, 2013

Restoring network integration of MeCP2-deficient neurons

Basic Research Award, 2013

Neurophysiology of cortical neurons in heterozygous female Rett mouse brain

Basic Research Award, 2013

Treating Rett syndrome via selective reactivation of the silenced MECP2 allele

HeART Award, 2013

A Phase 2b placebo-controlled cross-over study of rh-IGF1 (mecasermin [DNA] injection) for treatment of Rett syndrome and development of Rett-specific novel biomarkers of cortical and autonomic function

Supplemental funding to current project, 2013

BDNF gene transfer for the treatment of Rett syndrome

HeART Award, 2013

Temporal divergence of hypoconnectivity and excitotoxicity in Rett syndrome

Basic Research Award, 2013

Role of IGF1R in hippocampal CA2 plasticity and function: interaction with MeCP2

Basic Research Award, 2013

Imaging dynamics of cortical neuron dendritic spines in female heterozygous Rett mouse brain

Basic Research Award, 2013

Preclinical Evaluation of Tubastatin A, a Novel Therapy for Rett Syndrome

HeART Award, 2013

Eyetracking in Rett syndrome: A preliminary investigation of receptive and expressive vocabulary

HeART Award, 2013

Testing potential regulators of BDNF expression to identify candidate Rett syndrome therapeutics

HeART-Translational Research Award, 2012