A recent study has identified a gene variant, NOVA1, that may have played a role in the emergence of spoken language in modern humans. The gene is responsible for a protein that binds to RNA molecules in neurons, which are crucial for brain development and movement control. Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to modify mice to carry the human version of NOVA1 and found that it changed the frequency, pitch, and musicality of their squeaks.
The study suggests that the building-block swap in NOVA1 may have benefited modern humans by enabling spoken language, which would have aided survival. The researchers analyzed eight living human genomes and four ancient human genomes from Neanderthals and Denisovans, but found no evidence that these relatives carried the same version of NOVA1.
The findings support the role of NOVA1 in vocalization, but caution against concluding that it is a single “human language gene.” Other genes, including FOXP2, may also have contributed to language development in modern humans. Further research is needed to understand the role of NOVA1 and its relationship with developmental disorders.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/genetics/speech-gene-seen-only-in-modern-humans-may-have-helped-us-evolve-to-talk