Researchers Pinpoint Genetic Tie to Brain Development

Researchers have found a gene responsible for regulating human brain development named the Pax6 gene. The Pax6 gene helps to direct stem cells that make up the brain and spinal cord in the early stages of embryonic development. The findings may lead the way towards being able to treat brain diseases such as Parkinson's or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The gene plays a different role in the development in animals than in humans. The Pax6 may also explain why the human brain is larger and more advanced than brains in other species.