How cerebellar support cells (Bergmann glia) may affect Rett syndrome
Official title: The Pathophysiological Role of Cerebellar Glia in Rett Syndrome
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11251632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will look at whether problems in specific cerebellar support cells called Bergmann glia cause the movement and social difficulties seen in people with Rett syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $340,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS121542-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Although this project is preclinical and does not enroll people, it is most relevant to girls and women diagnosed with Rett syndrome caused by MECP2 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
People without MECP2-related Rett syndrome or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-only project.
What this research studies
This is a laboratory project that uses mouse models engineered to lack the Rett gene (MECP2) specifically in Bergmann glia, a major glial cell type in the cerebellum, to mimic aspects of Rett syndrome. Scientists will record brain activity with single-unit and local field potential recordings and take detailed intracellular measurements to see how these glia change signaling. They will use genetically encoded sensors to watch calcium, glutamate, and dopamine signals and will apply optogenetics to turn cell activity on or off to test effects on cerebellar circuits. The team aims to link glial dysfunction in the cerebellum to motor and social problems and identify cellular targets that could guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new cellular targets in the cerebellum that lead to therapies improving movement and social function in people with Rett syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies have shown that non-neuronal cells can influence Rett-like symptoms, but focusing specifically on cerebellar Bergmann glia and the detailed signaling measures used here is a relatively new and untested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Wei — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Li, Wei
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.