This review aims to summarize the recent findings regarding microcephaly genes. We have discussed the molecular genetics studies of microcephaly genes including a comprehensive appraisal of the seven mapped loci (MCPH1–MCPH7), their corresponding genes and protein products of the genes, their likely role in normal brain development and the details of the mutations reported in these genes.

Keywords: microcephaly, MCPH loci, MCPH gene, mutation, neurogenesis