A new study links a specific gene variant to the origins of spoken language, suggesting it may have played a crucial role in human communication development.
A recent study has established a connection between a particular gene and the emergence of spoken language, proposing that a unique protein variant found only in humans may have facilitated our ability to communicate. This advancement in speech allowed early humans to share information, coordinate activities, and pass down knowledge, providing a significant advantage over extinct relatives such as Neanderthals and Denisovans.
The study, which was published in the journal *Nature Communications*, is considered an important initial step in identifying specific genes that influence speech and language development. Liza Finestack, a researcher at the University of Minnesota who was not involved in the study, emphasized its potential significance in understanding the genetic underpinnings of language.
According to Dr. Robert Darnell, one of the study’s authors, the genetic variant under investigation is part of a broader set of genes that contributed to the rise of Homo sapiens as the dominant species. Darnell has been researching the NOVA1 protein, known for its critical role in brain development, since the early 1990s. In this latest research, scientists at Rockefeller University in New York employed CRISPR gene-editing technology to replace the NOVA1 protein in mice with the variant found exclusively in humans. The results were surprising: the mice altered their vocalizations when calling to one another.
For instance, baby mice carrying the human variant produced different squeaks compared to their normal littermates when their mother approached. Similarly, adult male mice with the variant chirped in a distinct manner when they encountered a female in heat. Darnell noted that these scenarios are instances where mice are motivated to vocalize, and the differences in their calls illustrate the role of the NOVA1 variant in communication.
This research builds on previous findings linking genetics to speech. In 2001, British scientists identified the FOXP2 gene as the first gene associated with language and speech disorders, dubbing it the “human language gene.” However, while FOXP2 is involved in language, later studies revealed that the variant found in modern humans is not unique to our species, as it is also present in Neanderthals. In contrast, the NOVA1 variant identified in this study is exclusive to modern humans, underscoring its potential significance in the evolution of speech.
It is important to note that the presence of a specific gene variant alone does not account for the ability to speak. Other factors, such as anatomical features of the human throat and the interconnected regions of the brain, also play crucial roles in enabling speech and language comprehension.
Darnell expressed hope that this research not only enhances our understanding of human origins but also paves the way for new treatments for speech-related disorders. Finestack added that these genetic findings could eventually lead to early detection of individuals who may require speech and language interventions, highlighting the potential for significant advancements in the field.
Source: Original article