Pharmacological interference with the glucocorticoid system influences symptoms and lifespan in a mouse model of Rett syndrome.

In English Rett syndrome (RTT) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 coding for methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). This protein can act as transcriptional repressor and we showed in a previous study that glucocorticoid-inducible genes are up-regulated in a RTT mouse model and that these genes are direct MeCP2 targets. Here, we report that pharmacological intervention with the glucocorticoid system has an impact on the symptoms and lifespan in a RTT mouse model. Our data support a functional implication of the stress hormone system in RTT and suggest this hormone system as potential therapeutic target.