WD Repeat Containing Domain Protein 62 (WDR62)

The WDR62 gene encodes 1,523 amino acids and contains 32 exons. Immunohistochemical staining of human fetal brain at 20 weeks' gestation demonstrated enriched WDR62 expression within the ventricular and subventricular zones. Stainings suggested predominantly nuclear localization, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot analysis.

WDR62 is expressed by neural stem cells and intermediate progenitors, marked by SOX2 and TBR2 expression. Expression of WDR62 in the neocortex is transient, spanning the period of embryonic neurogenesis. Unlike other microcephaly genes, WDR62 apparently does not associate with centrosomes.