'In this study, (Cubillos et al, 2024) employ cutting-edge methodology to elegantly demonstrate how both the emergence of a new gene and its transcriptional regulation contributed to the extraordinary expansion of the cerebral cortex in primates (Fig. 1). The authors delve into inter-species differences in gene expression and transcriptional regulation focused on EPIREGULIN (EREG), a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. EPIREGULIN is known for its involvement in various cellular processes and its multifaceted roles in cell signaling pathways. However, its role in neural progenitor cell proliferation and cortical evolution had not been explored.'

https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44318-024-00083-8