Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

The lack of a working MeCP2 protein — the most common cause of Rett syndrome — skews the immune system toward a proinflammatory state in the central nervous system (CNS, brain and spinal cord), a study in mice suggests. According to its scientists, this finding helps in understanding the…

Ahead of this year’s Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill, held virtually July 14–22, the EveryLife Foundation will award grants to top advocates of rare disease organizations who participate in the week’s pre-events. The top 50 point-earners will be eligible to win $1,000 to $5,000in  grants, totaling up…

Elevated levels of two neuroprostanes — markers of oxidative stress, a result of insufficient antioxidant defenses against toxic free radicals — are linked with symptom severity and type of mutations in people with Rett syndrome, a study reports. These findings support the potential of the neuroprostanes as biomarkers to…

The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) has designated 15 clinics across the U.S. as members of the Center of Excellence Network. These 15 centers, some newly designated and located in 14 states across the country, will integrate the foundation’s network of clinics designed to provide best-in-class care for people…

More than half of the people with rare diseases and their caregivers, asked in a survey, were undecided or less than willing to be vaccinated for COVID-19 if a vaccine was approved under emergency use authorization instead of the routine process, the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Disease reports. These findings…

The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases is accepting applications for a scholarship program that aims to help adults with a rare disease pursue personal goals through training and education. For a second year, the #RAREis Scholarship Fund — supported by Horizon Therapeutics – will award 35 one-time scholarships, each…

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is enrolling participants at four new clinical sites in its Phase 3 LAVENDER trial testing trofinetide as a treatment for girls and young women with Rett syndrome. In an online letter to the Rett community, Acadia announced these recent additions: Seattle Children’s Hospital; the University of North Carolina…

The Arc and its advocates are welcoming the U.S. Congress’ decision to pass COVID-19-related economic stimulus legislation, which will extend access to Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, passed Tuesday and signed…

Note: This story was updated April 22, 2021, to clarify the collaboration between Yale and Taysha at the company’s request.  Taysha Gene Therapies has established a new research partnership with Yale University to advance its gene therapy program for neurodevelopmental disorders, which includes Rett syndrome, the company announced.

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding and jaw clenching, is the most common oral manifestation in patients with Rett syndrome, according to a small review of literature. The study, “Oral Manifestations of Rett Syndrome—A Systematic Review,” was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public…