Monday, November 12, 2007

Cancer Gene Drives Pivotal Decision In Early Brain Development

Source: Washington University in St. Louis
Date: November 12, 2007

Summary:

A gene linked to pediatric brain tumors is an essential driver of early brain development, researchers have found. The study reveals that the neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) gene helps push stem cells down separate paths that lead them to become two major types of brain cells: support cells known as astrocytes and brain neurons.