SRGAP2
Encyclopedia
SRGAP2 is a gene
involved in neuronal migration. A shortened version of this protein
allows neurons to migrate faster.
This gene is one of the 23 genes that is duplicated in humans but not in other primates.
This protein has been duplicated twice in the human genome
in the past 3.4 million years, once 3.4 million years ago and once 2.4 mya. The 2.4 mya duplication resulted in a shortened version that 100% of humans possess. This shortened version allows faster migration of neurons by interfering with filopodia
production. Researchers speculate that this may allow humans to build a thicker cerebral cortex
.
The study was reported by Megan Dennis on October 13, 2011 at the International Congress of Human Genetics
.
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
involved in neuronal migration. A shortened version of this protein
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
allows neurons to migrate faster.
This gene is one of the 23 genes that is duplicated in humans but not in other primates.
This protein has been duplicated twice in the human genome
Human genome
The human genome is the genome of Homo sapiens, which is stored on 23 chromosome pairs plus the small mitochondrial DNA. 22 of the 23 chromosomes are autosomal chromosome pairs, while the remaining pair is sex-determining...
in the past 3.4 million years, once 3.4 million years ago and once 2.4 mya. The 2.4 mya duplication resulted in a shortened version that 100% of humans possess. This shortened version allows faster migration of neurons by interfering with filopodia
Filopodia
Filopodia are slender cytoplasmic projections that extend beyond the leading edge of lamellipodia in migrating cells. They contain actin filaments cross-linked into bundles by actin-binding proteins, e.g. fascin and fimbrin. Filopodia form focal adhesions with the substratum, linking it to the...
production. Researchers speculate that this may allow humans to build a thicker cerebral cortex
Cerebral cortex
The cerebral cortex is a sheet of neural tissue that is outermost to the cerebrum of the mammalian brain. It plays a key role in memory, attention, perceptual awareness, thought, language, and consciousness. It is constituted of up to six horizontal layers, each of which has a different...
.
The study was reported by Megan Dennis on October 13, 2011 at the International Congress of Human Genetics
International Congress of Human Genetics
The International Congress of Human Genetics is the foremost meeting of the international human genetics community. The first Congress was held in 1956 in Copenhagen, and has met every five years since then...
.