title: MCPH1: a window into brain development and evolution.
abstract: The development of the mammalian cerebral cortex involves a series of mechanisms: from patterning, progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, to neuronal migration. Many factors influence the development of the cerebral cortex to its normal size and neuronal composition. Of these, the mechanisms that influence the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells are of particular interest, as they may have the greatest consequence on brain size, not only during development but also in evolution. In this context, causative genes of human autosomal recessive primary microcephaly, such as ASPM and MCPH1, are attractive candidates, as many of them show positive selection during primate evolution. MCPH1 causes microcephaly in mice and humans and is involved in a diverse array of molecular functions beyond brain development, including DNA repair and chromosome condensation. Positive selection of MCPH1 in the primate lineage has led to much insight and discussion of its role in brain size evolution. In this review, we will present an overview of MCPH1 from these multiple angles, and whilst its specific role in brain size regulation during development and evolution remain elusive, the pieces of the puzzle will be discussed with the aim of putting together the full picture of this fascinating gene.
authors: Sydney Medical Program, University of Sydney Sydney, Australia.
authors: Jeremy N
authors: JN
authors: Pulvers
authors: U1141 Inserm Paris, France ; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 1141 Paris, France.
authors: Nathalie
authors: N
authors: Journiac
authors: Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR 7592, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité Paris, France.
authors: Yoko
authors: Y
authors: Arai
authors: U1141 Inserm Paris, France ; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMRS 1141 Paris, France.
authors: Jeannette
authors: J
authors: Nardelli
keywords: MCPH1; brain development; brain evolution; human; microcephaly; mouse models