Critical Role of One Gene to Our Brain Development

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have confirmed that a gene linked to intellectual disability is critical to the earliest stages of the development of human brains. The gene is known as USP9X, has been investigated by Adelaide researchers for decades but only recently have they discovered the importance of the gene. Located on the X-chromosome, USP9X controls both the initial generation of the nerve cells from stem cells, and also their ability to connect with one another and form the proper networks. In a new paper published by the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute in the American Journal of Human Genetics, explains how a mutations in the USP9X gene are associated with mental disabilities and that these mutations can be inherited from one generation to the next. This is the same gene that has also been found to stop the spread of pancreatic cancer just by reactivating it. 

This is a great step toward learning how the brain works. If we can continue to discover how the brain develops and what genes cause certain disorders, we can be able to cure many of these disorders that cause people to suffer everyday. Also, we are now seeing that USP9X is a very important gene for our development so if we continue to research this gene, who knows what else we can discover.