Microcephalin (MCPH1) is a gene that is expressed during fetal brain development. Certain mutations in MCPH1, when homozygous, cause primary microcephaly—a severely diminished brain.

Structure

Microcephalin proteins contain the following three domains:

  • N-terminal BRCT domain
  • Central microcephalin protein domain ()
  • C-terminal BRCT domain

Expression in the brain

MCPH1 is expressed in the fetal brain, in the developing forebrain, and on the walls of the lateral ventricles. Cells of this area divide, producing neurons that migrate to eventually form the cerebral cortex.

Evolution

A derived form of MCPH1 appeared about 37,000 years ago (any time between 14,000 and 60,000 years ago) and has spread to become the most common form of microcephalin throughout the world except Sub-Saharan Africa; this rapid spread suggests a selective sweep. and may correlate with the incidence of tonal languages,

Research studies

In March 2019, Chinese scientists reported inserting the human brain-related MCPH1 gene into laboratory rhesus monkeys, resulting in the transgenic monkeys performing better and answering faster on "short-term memory tests involving matching colors and shapes", compared to control non-transgenic monkeys, according to the researchers.

See also

  • Bruce Lahn
  • Genetic determinism
  • Race and genetics
  • Race and intelligence

References

Further reading

  • "Neanderthal Brains"—a lecture by Bruce Lahn from the NYAS podcasts