In this study, we investigated the ability of REST to increase EAAT2 (GLT-1) expression and function in astrocytes, leading to neuroprotection against Mn-induced dopaminergic toxicity, which is relevant to manganism, a PD-like neurological disorder, by attenuating Mn-reduced glutamate uptake and thus, preventing excitotoxicity. Here, SLC1A2 is linked to Parkinson disease.