Scientists Discover Gene That Helps Explain Human Brainpower

Topic: Biology

Researchers at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute found a human-only gene that may help explain why humans have powerful brains. The gene, SRGAP2, helps control the development of brain cells called microglia and neurons.

Microglia are the brain's most abundant immune cells. They protect the brain from harm, clear away damaged cells, and support normal brain growth. Researchers at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute found that human microglia mature much slower than those in other animals.

The researchers studied SRGAP2, a gene that is unique to humans. This gene helps control the development of neurons and microglia. In fact, human-specific copies of SRGAP2 are nearly 10 times more abundant in microglia than in neurons. This suggests that SRGAP2 plays an important role in the development of microglia.

The researchers found that human microglia take about four to eight years to mature, while microglia in mice reach maturity in just three weeks. This slow development may help human microglia influence the brain in ways that enable our powerful cognitive abilities.

Why It Matters

Understanding how human brains develop can help us learn more about neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. It can also give us clues about what makes humans unique from an evolutionary standpoint.

Key Facts

• Researchers at Columbia's Zuckerman Institute found a human-only gene called SRGAP2 that may help explain why humans have powerful brains.
• Human microglia mature much slower than those in other animals, taking around four to eight years to develop.
• SRGAP2 is nearly 10 times more abundant in microglia than in neurons.
• The researchers studied the development of human microglia and neurons using mice and human cells.
• Understanding how SRGAP2 affects brain development can help us learn more about neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Terms

Microglia

Brain immune cells that protect the brain from harm and support normal brain growth

Neurons

Brain cells that transmit signals to other parts of the body

SRGAP2

A human-only gene that helps control the development of microglia and neurons

Implications

Understanding how human brains develop can help us learn more about neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. It can also give us clues about what makes humans unique from an evolutionary standpoint.