Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) awarded a $641,828 Project Grant to The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern) on March 5, 2026, under the Mental Health Research Grants program (CFDA 93.242). The grant supports a four-year research project extending through December 31, 2030, investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying Rett Syndrome through examination of the MECP2 (Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2) gene and its regulatory functions. The research will characterize MECP2 interactions at gene regulatory elements known as MECP2-Binding Hotspots (MBHs) and elucidate how MECP2 represses enhancer activity through recruitment of histone deacetylase-containing nuclear receptor co-repressor complexes, providing critical insights into the pathophysiology of this severe neurological disorder.

This project addresses fundamental gaps in understanding how MECP2 dysregulation contributes to Rett Syndrome, a progressive neurological disorder characterized by severe cognitive and motor impairments. The research deliverables include detailed characterization of MECP2-MBH interactions and molecular mechanisms of enhancer repression, with potential implications for identifying therapeutic targets. UT Southwestern will conduct this work at its Dallas, Texas facility, contributing to the NIMH's mission of transforming understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research.