MicroRNA-driven developmental remodeling in the brain distinguishes humans from other primates.

ABSTRACT: While multiple studies have reported the accelerated evolution of brain gene expression in the human lineage, the mechanisms underlying such changes are unknown. Here, we address this issue from a developmental perspective, by analyzing mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression in two brain regions within macaques, chimpanzees, and humans throughout their lifespan. We find that constitutive gene expression divergence (species differences independent of age) is comparable between humans and chimpanzees. However, humans display a 3-5 times faster evolutionary rate in divergence of developmental patterns, compared to chimpanzees. Such accelerated evolution of human brain developmental patterns (i) cannot be explained by life-history changes among species, (ii) is twice as pronounced in the prefron

SUBMITTER: Somel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3232219 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature