K 5.1-dependent CO /H -sensitive currents contribute to astrocyte heterogeneity across brain regions.

Astrocyte heterogeneity is an emerging concept in which astrocytes within or between brain regions show variable morphological and/or gene expression profiles that presumably reflect different functional roles. Recent evidence indicates that retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) astrocytes sense changes in tissue CO H to regulate respiratory activity; however, mechanism(s) by which they do so remain unclear. Alterations in inward K currents represent a potential mechanism by which CO /H signals may be conveyed to neurons.

Glial Dysfunction in MeCP2 Deficiency Models: Implications for Rett Syndrome.

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare, X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder typically affecting females, resulting in a range of symptoms including autistic features, intellectual impairment, motor deterioration, and autonomic abnormalities. RTT is primarily caused by the genetic mutation of the Mecp2 gene. Initially considered a neuronal disease, recent research shows that glial dysfunction contributes to the RTT disease phenotype.

MeCP2 deficiency results in robust Rett-like behavioural and motor deficits in male and female rats.

Since the identification of MECP2 as the causative gene in the majority of Rett Syndrome (RTT) cases, transgenic mouse models have played a critical role in our understanding of this disease. The use of additional mammalian RTT models offers the promise of further elucidating critical early mechanisms of disease as well as providing new avenues for translational studies. We have identified significant abnormalities in growth as well as motor and behavioural function in a novel zinc-finger nuclease model of RTT utilizing both male and female rats throughout development.

The role of glial-specific Kir4.1 in normal and pathological states of the CNS.

Kir4.1 is an inwardly rectifying K(+) channel expressed exclusively in glial cells in the central nervous system. In glia, Kir4.