Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2025
11:44
Author Spotlight: Targeted Microinjection and Electroporation of Primate Cerebral Organoids for Genetic Modification
Published on: March 24, 2023
4.1K
Alu-minating the Mechanisms Underlying Primate Cortex Evolution.
Juli Wang1, Robert Weatheritt2, Irina Voineagu3
1School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Biological Psychiatry
|August 18, 2022
Summary
Primate brain evolution, marked by increased cognitive functions, is linked to primate-specific genes and regulatory elements. Alu elements, a type of repetitive DNA, significantly contribute to these evolutionary changes in the primate brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Higher-order cognitive functions in primates are associated with expanded cortical volume and folding.
- These cortical changes stem from primate-specific increases in cellular diversity during development.
- Molecular diversification, including novel gene creation and regulatory pathway activation, underlies these evolutionary shifts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the evidence connecting Alu elements with primate brain evolution.
- To explore the role of Alu elements in generating novel genes and regulatory layers.
- To examine the impact of Alu-derived molecular events on cortical development and cognitive functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on Alu elements and primate brain evolution.
- Analysis of studies linking Alu elements to gene acquisition, regulatory element expansion (enhancers, splicing, RNA editing, microRNAs), and cortical development.
- Examination of research on Alu-mediated molecular changes and their implications for cognitive deficits and neurologic disorders.
Main Results:
- Alu elements are repetitive DNA sequences that have played a significant role in primate-specific genetic and regulatory innovation.
- Alus contribute to the creation of novel genes and the expansion of diverse gene regulatory mechanisms, including enhancers and alternative splicing.
- Evidence suggests a correlation between Alu-derived molecular events and primate cortical expansion, gyrification, and potentially cognitive abilities.
Conclusions:
- Alu elements are key drivers of molecular innovation during primate brain evolution.
- Understanding Alu-derived molecular events is crucial for comprehending the development of higher-order cognitive functions.
- Future research on Alu elements could offer insights into neurologic disorders and brain development.
Related Concept Videos
02:31Synteny and Evolution
3.4K
John H. Renwick first coined the term “synteny” in 1971, which refers to the genes present on the same chromosomes, even if they are not genetically linked. The species with common ancestry tend to show conserved syntenic regions. Therefore, the concept of synteny is nowadays used to describe the evolutionary relationship between species.
Around 80 million years ago, the human and mice lineages diverged from the common ancestor. During the course of evolution, the ancestral...
Around 80 million years ago, the human and mice lineages diverged from the common ancestor. During the course of evolution, the ancestral...
3.4K
01:24Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
875
The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at...
875
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
4.5K
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
4.5K
01:20Evolutionary Psychology
383
Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
383
01:01Neuroplasticity
708
Neuroplasticity reflects the brain's remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain's lifelong development and adaptability.
708
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
6.1K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
6.1K