Brain Evolution: Microcephaly Genes Weigh In
نویسندگان
چکیده
The role of microcephaly genes in normal variation in human brain size has been controversial. New studies show that a link does exist and imply sex-specificity in microcephaly gene action during neurogenesis.
منابع مشابه
Adaptive evolution of four microcephaly genes and the evolution of brain size in anthropoid primates.
The anatomical basis and adaptive function of the expansion in primate brain size have long been studied; however, we are only beginning to understand the genetic basis of these evolutionary changes. Genes linked to human primary microcephaly have received much attention as they have accelerated evolutionary rates along lineages leading to humans. However, these studies focus narrowly on apes, ...
متن کاملAdaptive Evolution of Four Microcephaly Genes and the Evolution of Brain Size in Anthropoid Primates Authors:
The anatomical basis and adaptive function of the expansion in primate brain size have long been studied; however we are only beginning to understand the genetic basis of these evolutionary changes. Genes linked to human primary microcephaly have received much attention as they have accelerated evolutionary rates along lineages leading to humans. However these studies focus narrowly on apes and...
متن کاملReconstructing the evolutionary history of microcephalin, a gene controlling human brain size.
The defining process in the evolution of primates and particularly humans is the dramatic expansion of the brain. While many types of genes could potentially contribute to this process, genes that specifically regulate brain size during development may be especially relevant. Here, we examine the evolution of the microcephalin gene, whose null mutation in humans causes primary microcephaly, a c...
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Cognitive skills such as tool use, syntactical languages, and self-awareness differentiate humans from other primates. The underlying basis for this cognitive difference has been widely associated with a high encephalization quotient and an anatomically distinct, exceptionally large cerebral cortex. Investigations on congenital microcephaly had revealed several genes that affect mammalian brain...
متن کاملEvolution of the human ASPM gene, a major determinant of brain size.
The size of human brain tripled over a period of approximately 2 million years (MY) that ended 0.2-0.4 MY ago. This evolutionary expansion is believed to be important to the emergence of human language and other high-order cognitive functions, yet its genetic basis remains unknown. An evolutionary analysis of genes controlling brain development may shed light on it. ASPM (abnormal spindle-like ...
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ورودعنوان ژورنال:
- Current Biology
دوره 20 شماره
صفحات -
تاریخ انتشار 2010