Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a gene potentially linked to the evolution of spoken language in humans. The unique alteration, known as I197V, is found in an RNA-binding protein called NOVA1 that plays a crucial role in brain development across species.
To investigate this variant, scientists used CRISPR technology to introduce it into mice, which unexpectedly led to more complex vocalizations among the animals compared to their wild-type counterparts. By examining ancient human genomes and modern human DNA, researchers inferred that this gene emerged in Africa after humans diverged from our ancient relatives but before leaving the continent.
NOVA1 is distinct from other language-associated genes like FOXP2, which have been found in various species, including Neanderthals and non-human primates. The novel human variant is limited to Homo sapiens alone, suggesting its potential role in the evolution of complex language.
When scientists introduced the NOVA1 gene into mice, they observed altered vocalizations between individuals, including changes in ultrasonic calls used for communication. This finding has sparked questions about whether this gene could be considered a “language gene” and what implications it may hold for understanding human speech disorders.
Source: https://www.rockefeller.edu/news/37275-researchers-identify-a-gene-potentially-linked-to-the-evolution-of-spoken-language