DISC1-dependent switch from progenitor proliferation to migration in the developing cortex

DISC1 protein as a developmental switch The schizophrenia susceptibility factor DISC1 is highly enriched in the developing cerebral cortex, suggesting that it may have an important role during this time period. Sawa and colleagues find a specific phosphorylation site that acts as a molecular switch to transform a dividing progenitor into a postmitotic, migrating neuron. In each phosphorylation state, DISC1 interacts primarily with a distinct signalling pathway. It may therefore perform a dual role in corticogenesis, dependent on its phosphorylation status.