The transcription factor FOXP2 is the only gene implicated in human speech, and yet it differs very little from the chimpanzee orthologue. Here, the two amino acids specific to humans are shown to alter FOXP2 function in vitro by conferring differential transcriptional regulation, and these observations are extended in vivo to human and chimpanzee brain. Together, these data identify transcriptional targets that may serve critical functions in language development.
- Genevieve Konopka
- Jamee M. Bomar
- Daniel H. Geschwind