Vollum's Dr Gail Mandel's work featured in Spectrum, site for autism research news

RNA rewrite improves breathing, survival in Rett mice

RNA rescue
RNA rescue: Rett syndrome model mice treated with RNA-editing viruses recovered MECP2 protein in their brainstem

Mice with a gene mutation related to Rett syndrome breathe more easily and live longer after an RNA-editing treatment, according to a new study. The treatment partially restores expression of the mutated gene in the brainstem, which controls such basic functions as respiration.

The method could potentially be tailored for use in people with Rett syndrome, says lead investigator Gail Mandel, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. The mice have a mutation in the MECP2 gene that involves a single DNA letter swap from guanosine (G) to adenosine (A), which mirrors a mutation seen in people.

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Dr Gail Mandel Lab