Processing Language Partly Shares Neural Genetic Basis with Processing Tools and Body Parts

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience, Genetics, Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Human language relies on a complex, distributed brain network.
• Understanding the genetic underpinnings of this network is crucial for evolutionary insights.
• Previous research suggests potential co-evolution of language with object domains like tools and social cues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether the genetic mechanisms underlying brain responses to language overlap with those for object domains.
• To explore shared or distinct genetic influences on neural processing of language, tools, faces, and body parts.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from Human Connectome Project twin datasets (monozygotic and dizygotic).
• Examined genetic influences on brain activity during language and working memory tasks involving various object domains.
• Corroborated findings using human gene expression profiles from the Allen Human Brain Atlas.

Main Results:

• Identified genetically influenced brain regions in frontal, temporal, and subcortical areas for language processing.
• The bilateral basal ganglia (dorsal caudate) showed a common genetic basis for processing language, tools, and body parts.
• The right superior temporal gyrus demonstrated a shared genetic basis for language and tool processing.

Conclusions:

• Language neural processes exhibit heterogeneous genetic patterns.
• Revealed shared genetic origins between language and the processing of tools and body parts.
• Provides insights into the evolutionary relationship between language, tool use, and social functions.