A new study identifies a gene linked to the origins of spoken language, suggesting that a unique protein variant in humans may have facilitated the development of speech.
A recent study has established a connection between a specific gene and the emergence of spoken language, proposing that a unique protein variant found only in humans may have played a crucial role in our ability to communicate. This development of 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 research, described as “a good first step to start looking at the specific genes” influencing speech and language development, was noted by Liza Finestack, a researcher at the University of Minnesota who was not involved in the study. The findings may also have implications for understanding and addressing speech disorders in contemporary society.
The genetic variant under investigation is part of a broader set of genes that contributed to the evolution of Homo sapiens as the dominant species on Earth, according to Dr. Robert Darnell, a co-author of the study published in the journal Nature Communications. Darnell has been studying the protein known as NOVA1, which is essential for brain development, since the early 1990s.
For this latest research, scientists at Rockefeller University in New York employed CRISPR gene editing technology to replace the NOVA1 protein in mice with the human variant. The results were surprising; the alteration affected how the mice vocalized when interacting with one another. Baby mice with the human variant produced different squeaks compared to their normal littermates when their mother approached. Similarly, adult male mice with the variant emitted distinct chirps when they encountered a female in heat.
These vocal changes occurred in contexts where the mice were motivated to communicate, illustrating the potential role of the NOVA1 variant in the evolution of speech, according to Darnell.
This research builds upon previous findings regarding genetic links to speech. In 2001, British scientists identified the FOXP2 gene, which was associated with language and speech disorders. Although FOXP2 is involved in human language, it was later discovered that the variant present in modern humans is not unique to our species, as it is also found in Neanderthals. In contrast, the NOVA1 variant is exclusive to modern humans, highlighting its potential significance in the development of our linguistic capabilities.
However, the presence of a specific gene variant alone does not account for the ability to speak. Factors such as anatomical features of the human throat and the interplay of various brain regions are also critical for enabling speech and language comprehension.
Dr. Darnell expressed hope that this research will not only enhance our understanding of human origins but also pave the way for innovative treatments for speech-related issues. Finestack echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the genetic findings could eventually lead to early detection of individuals who may require speech and language interventions.
This groundbreaking study opens new avenues for exploring the genetic underpinnings of language and communication, potentially transforming how we approach speech disorders in the future.
Source: Original article