Astrocyte Dysfunction Contributes to Disordered Breathing in Rett Syndrome
Michelle Olsen, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech College of Science
Wed. May 25, 2022
8:30 – 8:55 a.m.
Washington Room, Hotel Roanoke
Abstract: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2). Although RTT patients suffer from many co-morbid phenotypes, wake disordered breathing has a major negative impact quality of life and is associated with high mortality rate in this patient population. Here the Olsen lab will present evidence that brainstem astrocyte dysfunction contributes to disordered breathing in a preclinical mouse model of RTT.