Two specific genes that evolve exclusively in humans jointly influence the development of the cerebrum. Researchers have provided evidence that these genes contribute together to the evolutionary enlargement of the brain.
Two specific genes that evolve exclusively in humans jointly influence the development of the cerebrum. Researchers have provided evidence that these genes contribute together to the evolutionary enlargement of the brain.
Two specific genes that evolve exclusively in humans jointly influence the development of the cerebrum. Researchers from the German Primate Center -- Leibniz Institute for Primate Research and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics have discovered this in a recently published study. They have thus provided evidence that these genes contribute together to the evolutionary enlargement of the brain. The results of the study show that the two genes act in a finely tuned interplay: one ensures that the progenitor cells of the brain multiply more, while the other causes these cells to transform into a different type of progenitor cell -- the cells that later form the nerve cells of the brain. In the course of evolution, this interplay has led to the human brain being unique in its size and complexity. The newly gained insights not only provide a deeper understanding of the evolutionary development of our brain but could also help to better comprehend how certain developmental disorders or diseases of the brain arise. 'Our findings deepen the fundamental understanding of brain development and provide new insights into the evolutionary origins of our large brain. In the long term, they could contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches for malformations of the brain,' says Nesil Eşiyok, first author of the study. Various methods were combined for the study: In addition to animal experiments with mice, alternative methods such as chimpanzee brain organoids were also used. 'The remarkable feature of our study is that the results from animal experiments and alternative methods complement each other well and mutually confirm their findings. . This not only emphasizes the high significance of our results, but could also help to reduce the need for animal experiments in the future by further developing, refining and confirming alternative methods,' explains Michael Heide, the study's lead researcher. The German Primate Center -- Leibniz Institute for Primate Research conducts biological and biomedical research on and with primates in the fields of infection research, neuroscience and primate biology. The DPZ also maintains five field stations in the tropics and is a reference and service center for all aspects of primate research. The DPZ is one of the 96 research and infrastructure facilities of the Leibniz Association. Nesil Eşiyok, Neringa Liutikaite, Christiane Haffner, Jula Peters, Sabrina Heide, Christina Eugster Oegema, Wieland B. Huttner, Michael Heide.Researchers have found genes in the reproductive organs of bulls that influence fertility. The findings can be transferred to humans, as these genes are also present in ... The complexity of living organisms is encoded within their genes, but where do these genes come from? Researchers resolved outstanding questions regarding the origin of small regulatory genes, and ... Modern humans evolutionarily split from our chimpanzee ancestors nearly 7 million years ago, yet we are continuing to evolve. 155 new genes have been identified within the human lineage that ... Evolutionary biologists studying populations of hybrid fish have found two genes that contribute to melanoma - only the second time people have identified specific genes associated with dysfunction ...
Nervous System Psychology Research Brain Injury Intelligence Brain-Computer Interfaces Biology Mice Animal Learning And Intelligence Evolution Charles Darwin Anthropology
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Obesity starts in the brain | ScienceDailyA study has provided new insights into the role of the brain as a crucial control center and the origin of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The hormone insulin plays a key role in the development of obesity. The brain's sensitivity to insulin is associated with long-term weight gain and unhealthy body fat distribution.
Read more »
China's premier and the American president: Two leaders, two speeches, two differing world visionsTwo major speeches were delivered by two of the world’s most powerful world leaders this week, on opposite sides of the planet. Together, the words from Chinese and U.S. leaders illustrate the very different approaches the world’s 21st-century powers are taking to achieve their national ambitions.
Read more »
China's premier and the American president: Two leaders, two speeches, two differing world visionsTwo major speeches were delivered by two of the world’s most powerful world leaders this week, on opposite sides of the planet.
Read more »
China's premier and the American president: Two leaders, two speeches, two differing world visionsTwo major speeches were delivered by two of the world’s most powerful world leaders this week, on opposite sides of the planet.
Read more »
China's premier and the American president: Two leaders, two speeches, two differing world visionsTwo major speeches were delivered by two of the world’s most powerful leaders this week,...
Read more »
The two faces of liquid water | ScienceDailyScientists have uncovered a key finding to one of water's unique properties: at high pressure and low temperature, liquid water separates into two distinct liquid phases -- one high-density and one low-density.
Read more »