The genetic discovery that can explain the origin of human language: a protein that modifies vocalization

The mystery around the origins of human language continues to intrigue the scientific community.

The ability to communicate with a complex language distinguishes us from other animal species and, to date, there is no conclusive evidence that neanderthals or other hominids have been able to develop this capacity with the same sophistication as the Homo sapiens.

According to, although there are evidence that neanderthals had the anatomical structures necessary to produce and perceive articulated sounds, the Development of certain cerebral regions essential for language seems to have been exclusive to modern humans.

Now, a recent study by Rockefeller University You can give new clues on this issue.

Robert B. Darnell investigators identified a new protein variant which may have played a key role in the appearance of spoken language.

Nova1 is an Arn -connecting protein that performs a fundamental role in neural development. In a study in Nature CommunicationsScientists have shown that the introduction of the human variant of Nova1 in mice through the CRISPR genetic edition significantly changed their vocalizations.

The most notable aspect of this discovery is that the variant in question is absent in the two archaic human species with which our ancestors have shared genes in the past – this suggests that the appearance of this mutation in our direct ancestors may be linked to language development.

For decades, the investigators analyzed genes that may be involved in this capacitylike FOXP2, a transcription factor involved in early brain development.

However, although it is known that the mutations in the FOXP2 cause serious speech deficiencies, their role in the evolution of language continues to be debated.

A Nova1 now emerged as a promising candidate. Identified in 1993 by Darnell himself, this protein is in a wide variety of organismsfrom mammals to birds in almost identical forms.

However, in current humans, presents a distinctive mutation: A change of valine isoleucine in the 197 position of your protein chain. This small variation may have been crucial to the development of our communication capabilities.

To test the impact of Nova1’s human variant, researchers replaced the mouse version of this protein by the human form I197V. Then They analyzed rodent vocalizations in different situations.

Found that the maids emitted ultrasonic sounds with a different pattern from normal rats and that adult males altered their vocal repertoire when they interacted with females during mating periods.

Is Discoveries were surprising For scientists, since Nova1 did not seem to alter motor functions or global neural development, but specifically affected the expression of vocalization -related genes.

Yoko Tajimathe main author of the study, points out that this result suggests that Nova1, while all modern humans analyzed were carriers of variant I197V.

In addition, they were analyzed 650,058 human genomes modern in the dBSNP database and only Six individuals did not have variant i197vwhich indicates that this mutation has settled in the human population with a frequency close to 100%.

Researchers suggest that natural selection may have favored this variation due to their possible advantages in vocal communication, allowing them to spread the world after the migration of our Africa ancestors.

Beyond its relevance to human evolution, This discovery may have clinical implications. Nova1 is associated with neuromuscular development and has been associated with certain disturbances of speech and development.

The Darnell Laboratory identified variants of this gene in people with language delays and motor problems.

The team plans to investigate how the regulation of Nova1 may be related to the AUTISM SOME DISCOUNTSparticularly in cases where patients have difficulties in verbal communication.

In addition, they will study their potential role in neurodegenerative diseases that affect speech and communication capabilities.

This study represents a significant step in understanding the evolution of our language capacity.

Although Nova1 is not the only gene involved in this complex capacity, its exclusive mutation in humans and you impact on rats vocalization suggest that it may have been a Key factor in the development of spoken language.

In the future, new investigations may better clarify their role in human evolution and their relationship with the disturbances of language and communication.