Positive selection on the nonhomologous end-joining factor Cernunnos-XLF in the human lineage
2006
Positive selection on the Cernunnos-XLF gene in humans
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Adam Pavlicek, Jerzy Jurka
Primary Institution: Genetic Information Research Institute, Mountain View, CA, USA
Hypothesis
Did Cernunnos-XLF experience positive selection during human evolution?
Conclusion
Cernunnos-XLF is under adaptive evolution in humans and may have contributed to brain expansion.
Supporting Evidence
- Cernunnos-XLF is linked to microcephaly and is under positive selection in humans.
- Five nonsynonymous substitutions were identified in the human lineage.
- The study suggests that Cernunnos-XLF may help prevent apoptosis in neuronal progenitors.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a gene called Cernunnos-XLF has changed in humans over time, which might help explain why our brains are bigger.
Methodology
The study involved comparing coding sequences of Cernunnos-XLF from various mammals to identify signs of positive selection.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a limited number of species and may not account for all evolutionary factors.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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