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Synteny and Evolution02:31

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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.
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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...
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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.
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Author Spotlight: Targeted Microinjection and Electroporation of Primate Cerebral Organoids for Genetic Modification
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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
PubMed
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.

Keywords:
AluCognitiveCortex expansionNeuropsychiatryPrimate

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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.