Brain & Functional Abnormalities as Results of Genetic Mutation with the DCC (Deleted in Colon Cancer) Gene Deletion

Liya Wang^1,2, Brocha F. Tarshish³, Andres Moreno De Luca³, Michael Rossi³, Hui Mao^1,2

Mirror movements (MM) are synkinesias occurring in the opposite side during the intentional use of a limb. MM is occasionally present in healthy children, but persistence beyond age 10 is considered abnormal [1, 2]. The gene mutation found to cause mirror movements is called DCC (Deleted in Colorectal Carcinoma). Heterozygous mutations in DCC (deleted in colon cancer) were recently identified as the cause of congenital MM in two pedigrees with multiple affected family members. (Srour et al. 2010).This important discovery provides new understanding on how mirror movements happen and improve scientific knowledge concerning how the brain functions.