A library of new dinuclear CeIV complexes of the type [NEt4]2[Ce2X6(TP)(sol)2] (X = Cl, ODipp, OSiMe3; sol = py, THF), where TP represents a family of tetraphenolate ligands that control intermetallic distance, are readily made in good yields. The ligands strongly stabilize the cerium +4 oxidation state and allow the incorporation of alkylammonium cocations in an "ate"complex formulation that enables them to be used as soluble, single-component catalysts for the ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of a variety of anhydrides and epoxides. High turnover frequencies (TOFs) are achieved with high ester linkage selectivity, low dispersities, and rates that are highly tunable by the intermetallic distance enforced by the TP ligand, demonstrating that a closely coupled di-CeIV unit provides excellent rates of ROCOP catalysis and that, more generally, rare-earth complexes deserve further attention as ROCOP initiators.

Disruptions in the gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) underlie complex neurodevelopmental disorders including Rett Syndrome (RTT), MECP2 duplication disorder, intellectual disabilities, and autism. Significant progress has been made on the molecular and cellular basis of MECP2-related disorders providing a new framework for understanding how altered epigenetic landscape can derail the formation and refinement of neuronal circuits in early postnatal life and proper neurological function. This review will summarize selected major findings from the past years and particularly highlight the integrated and multidisciplinary work done at eight NIH-funded Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (IDDRC) across the US. Finally, we will outline a path forward with identification of reliable biomarkers and outcome measures, longitudinal preclinical and clinical studies, reproducibility of results across centers as a synergistic effort to decode and treat the pathogenesis of the complex MeCP2 disorders.

This brief review of current research progress on Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a summary of discussions initiated at the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation (HNF) scientific advisory board meeting on November 7, 2014. It covers recent published and unpublished in vitro and in vivo research. We discuss recent promising preclinical work for CMT1A, the development of new biomarkers, the characterization of different animal models, and the analysis of the frequency of gene mutations in patients with CMT. We also describe how progress in related fields may benefit CMT therapeutic development, including the potential of gene therapy and stem cell research. We also discuss the potential to assess and improve the quality of life of CMT patients. This summary of CMT research identifies some of the gaps which may have an impact on upcoming clinical trials. We provide some priorities for CMT research and areas which HNF can support. The goal of this review is to inform the scientific community about ongoing research and to avoid unnecessary overlap, while also highlighting areas ripe for further investigation. The general collaborative approach we have taken may be useful for other rare neurological diseases.