Medical researchers led by Kyushu University have revealed a possible underlying genetic pathway behind the neurological dysfunction of Rett syndrome. The team found that deficiencies in key genes involved in the pathology triggers neural stem cells to generate less neurons by producing more astrocytes—the brain's maintenance cells.

The researchers hope that the molecular pathology they identified, as reported in the journal Cell Reports, can lead to potential therapeutic targets for Rett syndrome in the future.

Rett syndrome is a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in cognition and coordination—with varying severity—and occurs in roughly one in every 10,000 to 15,000 female births. However, it is difficult to initially identify because children appear to develop normally in the first 6-18 months.

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