An Architect of the Hindbrain: DDX3X Regulates Normal and Malignant Development.

Hallmark mutations in WNT and SHH medulloblastoma are usually distinct, but DDX3X is often mutated in both subgroups. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Patmore et al. identify Ddx3x as essential for hindbrain patterning, cell fate determination, and as a tumor suppressor gene that restricts cell lineage progression in tumorigenesis.