What happens when two critical proteins collaborate during neurodevelopment? A new Molecular & Cellular Proteomics study reveals insights that could transform how we understand childhood brain disorders.
The brain’s intricate structure depends on precisely timed signals that guide cells to differentiate and migrate. When these signals go awry, the consequences can range from developmental disorders to tumor formation. Cortical development, which supports thinking, perception, language, movement and memory, is especially sensitive to these signals.
Wnt signaling and its downstream effector, CTNNB1, play a central role in this process, controlling the growth, development and migration of brain cells. Yet, when Wnt signaling becomes overactive, it can disrupt normal cortical development and, in some cases,…