Cyclopia: A Rare Birth Defect That Could Help Cure Cancer

The video explores Cyclopia, a rare condition where vertebrates develop a single eye, drawing parallels with mythological Cyclops. It delves into brain development, specifically Holoprosencephaly (HPE), a condition affecting forebrain division. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene is crucial in this process, and its disruption can lead to HPE or cancer. Researchers study cyclopamine, a compound from corn lilies, which affects the SHH pathway, offering potential cancer treatments.

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