Abstract
Defects in epigenetic mechanisms can give rise to several neurological and behavioral phenotypes. Rett syndrome (MIM 312750) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that is primarily caused by mutations in a gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2.
The functions of the protein are related to DNA methylation, a key epigenetic mechanism that plays a critical role in gene silencing through chromatin remodeling. Rett syndrome was the first human disorder in which a link between epigenetic modification and neuronal dysfunction was discovered.
In this chapter, the clinical features and the molecular pathology of Rett syndrome will be discussed.