The DYRK1A gene encodes for a dual-specific tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A involved in different cellular processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. This tyrosine kinase plays a key role in brain growth and function. Indeed, haploinsufficiency of DYRK1A results in defective kinase activity and is responsible for mental retardation autosomal dominant 7 (MRD7).
