Missense mutations resulting in type 1 lissencephaly

Abstract.

Proper human brain formation is dependent upon the integrated activity of multiple genes. Malfunctioning of key proteins results in brain developmental abnormalities. Mutation(s) in the LIS1 gene or the X-linked gene doublecortin (DCX) results in a spectrum of disorders including lissencephaly, or ‘smooth brain’, and subcortical band heterotopia, or ‘doublecortex’. Here, we will focus on a particular subset of missense mutations in these two genes and their effect on protein structure and function.