2023-12-17 05:00:15
A fascinating scientific breakthrough has just been made: researchers have identified genes that might explain why the human brain is so unique compared to that of other primates.
Led by Jesse Gillis of the University of Toronto, an international team has discovered that certain genes are expressed differently in humans. compared to our primate cousins ​​(Primates (from the Latin primas, atis meaning “the one who occupies first…) such as chimpanzees and gorillas. This discovery, published in the scientific journal (A scientist is a person who devotes to the study of a science or sciences and which…) Nature Ecology & Evolution, might illuminate the mysteries of our cognitive abilities, such as complex thinking and language.
To achieve these results, the researchers analyzed the brains of different primates, focusing on the way in which genes are expressed there. They used a recent method of analyzing single cells, allowing a more precise study of genetic sequencing.
The team identified 139 genes present in all primates, but which in humans show significant divergence. This means that these genes in humans evolved differently, allowing them to support mutations without altering their function. This flexibility might be the key to the rapid evolution of our brains.
This research suggests that the unique way these genes work in humans may be behind our advanced intelligence. Additionally, some of these genes are linked to brain disorders, highlighting the importance of this study for understanding certain diseases.
Illustrative diagram of evolutionary analysis.
Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02186-7
Researchers have also discovered that these particular genes are active in different brain cells, including neurons (nerve cells) and glial cells (which support and protect neurons). These findings offer new insights into the evolution and structure of the human brain.
This study is part of a larger project, the Human Cell Atlas, which aims to map all the cells of the human body (The human body is the physical structure of a person.) to better understand our biology (Biology , commonly called “organic”, is the science of life….) and diseases. With this information, scientists hope to further elucidate the mysteries of human evolution and open new avenues of research to treat neurological disorders.
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