Dcx - doublecortin

This gene encodes a member of the doublecortin family. The protein encoded by this gene contains two doublecortin domains, which bind microtubules and regulate microtubule polymerization. In the developing cortex, cortical neurons must migrate over long distances to reach the site of their final differentiation. The encoded protein appears to direct neuronal migration by regulating the organization and stability of microtubules. Studies in knockout mice lacking this gene suggest that this gene has a cortical role in nuclear translocation and positioning of the mitotic spindle in radial glial mitotic division. This gene is essential for neuronal migration, differentiation, and plasticity, is required for hippocampal development and also plays a role in dendrites development.[provided by RefSeq, Sep 2010]