Mutational and expression analysis of the reelin pathway components CDK5 and doublecortin in gangliogliomas.

Gangliogliomas represent highly differentiated glioneuronal tumors frequently occurring in young patients with focal epilepsies. Dysplastic neurons are a neuropathological hallmark of this neoplasm. Here, we have analyzed two major components of the reelin pathway associated with neuronal migration and cortical cytoarchitecture in gangliogliomas, i.

Focal cortical dysplasia of Taylor's balloon cell type: mutational analysis of the TSC1 gene indicates a pathogenic relationship to tuberous sclerosis.

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is characterized by a localized malformation of the neocortex and underlying white matter. Balloon cells, similar to those observed in tuberous sclerosis, are present in many cases (FCD(bc)). In these patients, a hyperintense funnel-shaped subcortical lesion tapering toward the lateral ventricle was the characteristic finding on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging scans.