The most consistent feature of ZIC expression was the high level of all five ZIC transcripts in the three medulloblastoma cases, when compared to their level in whole brain; the relative amounts varied from 2- to 3-fold for ZIC1 to 40- to 70-fold for ZIC4. In the three meningioma cases, the ZIC1, ZIC2 and ZIC5 mRNA levels were 2- to 3.5- fold, 2- to 4.7- fold, and 3- to 8-fold higher, respectively, than those in the whole brain. The gene discussed is ZIC5; the disease is medulloblastoma.