Year 2

During the project period we characterized several phenotypes related to Rett syndrome-derived astrocytes, including the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also validated some of these phenotypes in cells derived from patients with idiopathic autism. Thus, our data will likely be relevant to a larger fraction of the autism spectrum. During the period, we optimize the transport of human astrocytes to our screening facility at NIH. The logistic was problematic as these cells would become reactivated, affecting our cellular readouts. We propose alternatives for the primary read out and made progress on the 384-well format plating required for the drug screening automated platform. We expect to conclude the screening in the next report period and start secondly assays for validation of prioritized leads.