What is a notable cause of Rett's Disorder?

Rett's Disorder is primarily associated with mutations in the MECP2 gene, located on the X chromosome. This gene is critical for normal brain development and function. The majority of cases of Rett's Disorder are due to de novo mutations, meaning these mutations occur spontaneously and are not inherited from parents. The effect of the MECP2 mutation disrupts neural pathways and leads to the characteristic symptoms of the disorder, including loss of purposeful hand skills, development of repetitive hand movements, and social withdrawal.

The X-linked nature of Rett's Disorder is significant, as it primarily affects females, with males having a more severe phenotype or typically not surviving to term, due to their single X chromosome. This genetic basis makes a clear distinction from environmental causes or infections, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in this specific condition.