Definition of Microcephalin 1

Microcephalin 1: Mutation of this gene is responsible for an autosomal recessive form of primary microcephaly with no other malformations. Microcephalin 1 (MCPH1) is expressed in fetal brain in the developing forebrain and the walls of the lateral ventricles. Cells in this region divide to produce neurons that migrate to form the cerebral cortex. The MCPH1 gene is on chromosome 8 in region 8p23.