WNT and Sonic Hedgehog guide early brain development

A new study reveals that two morphogens, WNT and Sonic Hedgehog, act as molecular guides, directing early human brain development and shaping brain regions within days. Researchers found that exposure to WNT and Sonic Hedgehog signals for just five days sets gene programs in motion, influencing brain structure. Sensitivity to these signals varied between individuals and even within cell lines from the same person. These variations in response are likely due to genetic and epigenetic influences, highlighting the flexible nature of early brain development. The findings offer new insight into how individual differences emerge at the molecular level.