Molecular Insights into Human Brain Evolution

Bradbury, Jane

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0030050

Cited by 32 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…This large distribution over the whole cortex and subcortical areas would be related to the greater ability to elaborate interconnectivity between cortical structures in the more highly evolved simians and humans. We hypothesize that this wide distribution of DCXþ cells may have a close relationship with mammalian evolution, as brain size has gradually increased (for review, see Bradbury, 2005), in particular the cerebral cortex of the more evolved species (for review, see Levitt et al, 1997). Monkeys and humans have far more cortex than rodents, and this enlarged cortex is associated with much slower development (Allman et al, 1999).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Doublecortin‐positive cells in the adult primate cerebral cortex and possible role in brain plasticity and development

Bloch¹,

Kaeser

Sadeghi³

et al. 2011

J of Comparative Neurology

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We have demonstrated that cortical cell autografts might be a useful therapy in two monkey models of neurological disease: motor cortex lesion and Parkinson's disease. However, the origin of the useful transplanted cells obtained from cortical biopsies is not clear. In this report we describe the expression of doublecortin (DCX) in these cells based on reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunodetection in the adult primate cortex and cell cultures. The results showed that DCX-positive cells were present in the whole primate cerebral cortex and also expressed glial and/or neuronal markers such as glial fibrillary protein (GFAP) or neuronal nuclei (NeuN). We also demonstrated that only DCX/GFAP positive cells were able to proliferate and originate progenitor cells in vitro. We hypothesize that these DCX-positive cells in vivo have a role in cortical plasticity and brain reaction to injury. Moreover, in vitro these DCX-positive cells have the potential to reacquire progenitor characteristics that confirm their potential for brain repair.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Doublecortin‐positive cells in the adult primate cerebral cortex and possible role in brain plasticity and development

Bloch¹,

Kaeser

Sadeghi³

et al. 2011

J of Comparative Neurology

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“…Larger brains do not increase the size of their neuronal axons to get information across longer distances. Instead, they “only connect those parts of the brain that have to be connected, and avoid the need for communication between hemispheres by making different sides of the brain do different things” (Kaas 2004, quoted in Bradbury 2005). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reduced Gyral Window and Corpus Callosum Size in Autism: Possible Macroscopic Correlates of a Minicolumnopathy

Casanova

El-Baz

Mott

et al. 2009

J Autism Dev Disord

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Minicolumnar changes that generalize throughout a significant portion of the cortex have macroscopic structural correlates that may be visualized with modern structural neuroimaging techniques. In magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of fourteen autistic patients and 28 controls, the present study found macroscopic morphological correlates to recent neuropathological findings suggesting a minicolumnopathy in autism. Autistic patients manifested a significant reduction in NIH-PA Author ManuscriptNIH-PA Author Manuscript NIH-PA Author Manuscript the aperture for afferent/efferent cortical connections, i.e., gyral window. Furthermore, the size of the gyral window directly correlated to the size of the corpus callosum. A reduced gyral window constrains the possible size of projection fibers and biases connectivity towards shorter corticocortical fibers at the expense of longer association/commisural fibers. The findings may help explain abnormalities in motor skill development, differences in postnatal brain growth, and the regression of acquired functions observed in some autistic patients.

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“…The zones of lateral convexity of the cortex that developed last are mainly involved in higher executive functions, including those relating to temporal organization of goal-oriented actions in the areas of behavior, cognition, and language (Fuster, 2002). The human brain is not simply a larger version of that of a mammal or even a primate (Bradbury, 2005).…”

Section: Evolution Of Skull Size and Cognitive Capitalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of the Human Brain: the key roles of DHA (omega-3 fatty acid) and Δ6-desaturase gene

Majou

2018

OCL

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-The process of hominization involves an increase in brain size. The development of hominids' cognitive capital up to the emergence of Homo sapiens was due to interactive, iterative, and integrative coevolution, allowing positive selection. Although this depends on many factors, in this position paper we show three categories that stand out: gene mutations, food resources, and cognitive and behavioral stimulation. Australopithecus benefited both from the inactivation of the GULO and uricase genes and from bipedalism causing the cognitive capital of the Homo genus to develop advantageously. This evolution depended on two factors. Firstly, a triggering factor: gradual climate change. Homo started to regularly consume meat in addition to plants and insects. Secondly, a stimulating factor: mutations in the FADS2 gene, which encodes D6-desaturase; a key enzyme for the synthesis of DHA and sapienic acid. The polymorphism of this gene appears to have been essential in allowing the Homo genus to adapt to its food, and for its evolution. It provides an undeniable advantage in terms of the productivity of fat synthesis (DHA), and may partly explain positive selection. With the advent of cooking and new mutations producing even more FADS2, the brain reached its maximum size in Homo neanderthalensis, in a food ecosystem that provided favorable quantities of a-Linolenic acid and DHA. However, the Würm glaciation upset this equilibrium, revealing its fragility as regards to the brain and fertility. Homo sapiens, benefiting from new variants of the FADS2 gene, were able to adapt to this harsh environment, whereas Neanderthal man was unable to do so and became extinct.Keywords: brain / omega-3 / FADS / sapiens / neanderthal Résumé -Évolution du cerveau de l'homme : les rôles clés du DHA (acide gras oméga-3) et du gène de la D6-désaturase. Le processus d'hominisation prend en compte notamment l'élargissement du cerveau. Le développement du capital cognitif des hominidés jusqu'à Homo sapiens est le fait d'une coévolution interactive, itérative et intégrative qui a permis une sélection positive. S'il dépend de nombreux facteurs, trois ensembles ressortent : des mutations génétiques, des ressources alimentaires et des stimulations cognitives et comportementales. À partir des australopithèques, qui ont bénéficié de l'inactivation des gènes GULO et uricase, ainsi que de la bipédie, le cerveau du genre Homo a pu avantageusement se développer. Cette évolution dépend de deux facteurs essentiels. Un facteur déclenchant : un changement climatique progressif. Homo est devenu un consommateur régulier de produits carnés en complément des végétaux et d'insectes. Un facteur stimulant : les mutations sur le gène FADS2 de la D6-désaturase, enzyme clé de la synthèse du DHA et de l'acide sapiénique. Le polymorphisme de ce gène apparaît essentiel pour l'adaptation de Homo à son alimentation et pour son évolution. Il confère un indéniable avantage de productivité en synthèse lipidique (DHA) et peut, en partie, expliquer une sélection positi...

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Molecular Insights into Human Brain Evolution

Abstract: As a species, we pride ourselves on the uniqueness of our brain. But comparisons with other species may tell us how our unique brains evolved

Cited by 32 publications

References 8 publications

Doublecortin‐positive cells in the adult primate cerebral cortex and possible role in brain plasticity and development

Doublecortin‐positive cells in the adult primate cerebral cortex and possible role in brain plasticity and development

Reduced Gyral Window and Corpus Callosum Size in Autism: Possible Macroscopic Correlates of a Minicolumnopathy

Evolution of the Human Brain: the key roles of DHA (omega-3 fatty acid) and Δ6-desaturase gene

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