Rate of Evolution in Brain-Expressed Genes in Humans and Other Primates
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Hurng-Yi, Chien Huan-Chieh, Osada Naoki, Hashimoto Katsuyuki, Sugano Sumio, Gojobori Takashi, Chou Chen-Kung, Tsai Shih-Feng, Wu Chung-I, Shen C.-K. James
Primary Institution: Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
Hypothesis
The rate of evolution among brain-expressed genes in humans may have accelerated compared to other primates.
Conclusion
Calibrated against the genomic average, the rate of evolution among brain-expressed genes in humans is probably lower than or equal to that of other closely related primates.
Supporting Evidence
- Brain-expressed genes evolve more slowly than other genes in the genome.
- The average Ka/Ks ratio for brain cDNAs was significantly smaller than the genomic average.
- The trend of slow evolution in coding sequence is pronounced among brain-specific genes.
Takeaway
Scientists studied genes that are active in the brains of humans and monkeys to see how fast they change over time. They found that these brain genes in humans change more slowly than in other primates.
Methodology
Full-length cDNA sequencing of brain transcriptome from an Old World monkey, followed by comparisons with mouse and human.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sampling brain-expressed genes could affect the results.
Limitations
The study may be biased towards more abundantly transcribed genes and specific categories of genes.
Participant Demographics
Old World monkey (cynomolgus monkey, Macaca fascicularis) and comparisons with human and chimpanzee.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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