What Makes the Human Brain Human?

Neuron. 2020 Mar 4;105(5):761-763. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.02.007.

Abstract

Which elements of the genome endow human brains with the capacity for heightened cognitive abilities? In this issue of Neuron, Namba et al. (2020) find that ARHGAP11B, a human-specific gene, augments cerebral cortex expansion by regulating metabolic pathways in mitochondria.

Keywords: adenine nucleotide translocase; basal progenitors; energy metabolism; mitochondrial permeability transition pore; neocortex; proliferation; tricarboxylic acid cycle.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria
  • Neocortex*
  • Neurons

Substances

  • ARHGAP11B protein, human
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins