Loss-of-Function of p21-Activated Kinase 2 Links BMP Signaling to Neural Tube Patterning Defects.

Closure of the neural tube represents a highly complex and coordinated process, the failure of which constitutes common birth defects. The serine/threonine kinase p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) is a critical regulator of cytoskeleton dynamics; however, its role in the neurulation and pathogenesis of neural tube defects (NTDs) remains unclear. Here, the results show that Pak2 mouse embryos fail to develop dorsolateral hinge points (DLHPs) and exhibit craniorachischisis, a severe phenotype of NTDs.

Npas3 deficiency impairs cortical astrogenesis and induces autistic-like behaviors.

Transcription factors with basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) motifs can control neural progenitor fate determination to neurons and oligodendrocytes. How bHLH transcription factors regulate astrogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that NPAS3, a bHLH transcription factor, is a critical regulator of astrogenesis.

Putative complement control protein CSMD3 dysfunction impairs synaptogenesis and induces neurodevelopmental disorders.

Recent studies have reported that complement-related proteins modulate brain development through regulating synapse processes in the cortex. CSMD3 belongs to a group of putative complement control proteins. However, its role in the central nervous system and synaptogenesis remains largely unknown.