Claim: WNT1 is very conserved in evolution and functions in the induction of the mesencephalon ( the forward-most portion of the brainstem) and it was also considered as a candidate gene for Joubert syndrome.
Evidence: It is very conserved in evolution, and the protein encoded by this gene is known to be 98% identical to the mouse Wnt1 protein at the amino acid level. The studies in mouse indicate that the Wnt1 protein functions in the induction of the mesencephalon and cerebellum. This gene was originally considered as a candidate gene for Joubert syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder with cerebellar hypoplasia as a leading feature.