Cited by 101Genetics and Neurodevelopmental DisordersNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

Pharmacological reversal of synaptic and network pathology in human MECP2‐KO neurons and cortical organoids

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Trujillo, Cleber A, Adams, Jason W, Negraes, Priscilla D, Carromeu, Cassiano, Tejwani, Leon, Acab, Allan, Tsuda, Ben, Thomas, Charles A +7 more·2021·EMBO Molecular Medicine

Abstract

Duplication or deficiency of the X‐linked MECP2 gene reliably produces profound neurodevelopmental impairment. MECP2 mutations are almost universally responsible for Rett syndrome (RTT), and particular mutations and cellular mosaicism of MECP2 may underlie the spectrum of RTT symptomatic severity. No clinically approved treatments for RTT are currently available, but human pluripotent stem cell technology offers a platform to identify neuropathology and test candidate therapeutics. Using a strategic series of increasingly complex human stem cell‐derived technologies, including human neurons, MECP2 ‐mosaic neurospheres to model RTT female brain mosaicism, and cortical organoids, we identified synaptic dysregulation downstream from knockout of MECP2 and screened select pharmacological compounds for their ability to treat this dysfunction. Two lead compounds, Nefiracetam and PHA 543613, specifically reversed MECP2‐ knockout cytologic neuropathology. The capacity of these compounds to reverse neuropathologic phenotypes and networks in human models supports clinical studies for neurodevelopmental disorders in which MeCP2 deficiency is the predominant etiology.

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Crossref · 10.15252/emmm.202012523

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  • Nefiracetam targets both L- and N-type calcium channels.

    “whereas Nefiracetam has a broader effect, targeting both L- and N-type calcium channels.”

    From CYFIP1 governs the development of cortical axons by modulating calcium availability (2025) · cites this paper as [74]

    The Results section reports that nefiracetam increased calcium-transient frequency in MECP2-mosaic neurospheres, but it does not identify the calcium channels involved. Searches for L-type and N-type calcium channels found no passage in our copy stating that nefiracetam targets either channel type; page numbers are unavailable. (LLM, conf=0.74)

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Authors
Trujillo, C. A., Adams, J. W., Negraes, P. D., Carromeu, C., Tejwani, L., Acab, A., Tsuda, B., Thomas, C. A., Sodhi, N., Fichter, K. M., Romero, S., Zanella, F., Sejnowski, T. J., Ulrich, H., & Muotri, A. R.
Affiliations
  • University of California San Diego (US)
  • Salk Institute for Biological Studies (US)
  • Universidade de São Paulo (BR)
Corresponding author
  • Trujillo, Cleber A
  • Muotri, Alysson R
Venue
EMBO Molecular Medicine
Published
2020-12-08
Volume
13
Issue
1
Pages
e12523-e12523
ISSN
  • 1757-4676 (ISSN-L)
  • 1757-4684
OpenAlex
W3110698055
Cited by
101
References
67
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 27 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 2
FWCI
8.21
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • EMBO Molecular Medicine (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • eScholarship (California Digital Library) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • eScholarship (California Digital Library) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • HHS | NIH | National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH094753, R01MH103134, P01 NICHD033113)
  • California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (TR2‐01814, TR4‐06747)
  • HHS | National Institutes of Health (1‐DP2‐OD006495‐01, U19MH107367)
  • HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (5T32GM007198)
  • UCSD Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny
  • Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (NARSAD Independent Investigator Grant)
  • HHS | NIH | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (K01AA026911)
  • Loulou Foundation
  • Sao Paulo Research Foundation (2018/07366‐4)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
Keywords
MeCP2, Rett syndrome, cortical organoids, synaptic dysfunction, neurodevelopmental disorders, nefiracetam, drug screening, X-linked disorders
MeSH terms
Female, Humans, Neurons, Organoids, Phenotype, Pyrrolidinones, Quinuclidines, Rett Syndrome, Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic, Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2, Gene Knockout Techniques

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