Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multiorgan genetic disease caused by 
inactivation of either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. The disorder typically has 
profound neurologic involvement and often presents early in life with epilepsy, 
developmental delay, mental retardation, and autism. These features are 
generally accepted to result from structural brain abnormalities that are found 
in patients with TSC. Although much progress has recently been made in 
discerning the function(s) of the TSC genes, many questions remain as to the 
role of these genes in brain development and homeostasis. This review will 
summarize recent progress and suggest future avenues of basic science research.