‘Creator’ gene could provide brain therapies

UCI scientists say they have found a gene in charge of creating higher functioning brain cells that could lead to stem cell therapies for patients with brain injuries or who have suffered from a stroke or have Alzheimer’s.

The gene, Lhx2, generates cells in the cerebral cortex, the area of the brain responsible for language, decision-making and vision.

UCI researcher Edwin Monuki, doctoral student Karla Hirokawa, and their colleagues were responsible for the breakthrough, school officials said.

The Lhx2 gene instructs stem cells to form into cortical cells.

When the gene is not present, the cells form into the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center.

Researchers are calling it the “creator” gene because of its vital role in creating the brain’s higher-sensory network.

The scientists’ results appear in today’s issue of the “Science” journal.

— Joseph Serna