EML1 (Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 1) is a microtubule-associated protein that regulates cytoskeletal organization critical for neural development. Primary function: EML1 stabilizes and organizes microtubules through binding via its unique HELP-WD and TAPE domains 1, and promotes microtubule acetylation via interaction with alpha-tubulin acetyltransferase 1 to enhance axonal growth 2. Mechanism: EML1 regulates mitotic spindle orientation and positioning of radial glia progenitor cells in the developing cortex 3. During neural development, EML1 maintains centrosomal function and microtubule dynamics essential for proper radial glia distribution 4. Loss of EML1 causes significant downregulation of centrosomal and spindle proteins, reducing microtubule polymerization and stability 5. Disease relevance: Biallelic EML1 mutations cause subcortical band heterotopia characterized by ectopic neurons in white matter 36. Patients present with severe developmental delay, drug-resistant seizures, visual impairment, and megalencephaly with ribbon-like heterotopia and callosal agenesis 6. Clinical significance: Early centrosomal dysfunction and abnormal radial glia positioning precede heterotopia formation; rescuing microtubule dynamics reduces heterotopia severity 4, suggesting therapeutic potential targeting microtubule regulation.