Biology subjects

Boeckx, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Boeckx, C..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

Converging roles of glutamate receptors in domestication and prosociality

The present paper highlights the prevalence of signals of positive selection on genes coding for glutamate receptors--most notably kainate and metabotropic receptors--in domesticated animals and anatomically modern humans. Relying on their expression in the central nervous system and phenotypes associated with mutations in these genes, we claim that regulatory changes in kainate and metabotropic receptor genes have led to alterations in limbic function and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis regulation, with potential implications for the emergence of unique social behaviors and communicative abilities in (self-)domesticated species.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2018

Genetic differences between humans and other hominins contribute to the \"human condition\"

Throughout the past decade, studying ancient genomes provided unique insights into human prehistory, and differences between modern humans and other branches like Neanderthals can enrich our understanding of the molecular basis of unique modern human traits. Modern human variation and the interactions between different hominin lineages are now well studied, making it reasonable to go beyond fixed changes and explore changes that are observed at high frequency in present-day humans. Here, we identify 571 genes with non-synonymous changes at high frequency. We suggest that molecular mechanisms in cell division and networks affecting cellular features of neurons were prominently modified by these changes. Complex phenotypes in brain growth trajectory and cognitive traits are likely influenced by these networks and other changes presented here. We propose that at least some of these changes contributed to uniquely human traits, and should be prioritized for experimental validation.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2017

SRGAP2 And The Gradual Evolution Of The Modern Human Language Faculty

In this paper we examine a new source of evidence that draws on data from archaic human genomes to support the hypothesis that vocal learning in Homo preceded the emergence of Anatomically Modern Humans. We build our claim on the evolutionary history of the SLITROBO GTPase 2 gene (SRGAP2). The SLIT-ROBO molecular pathway has been shown to have an important role in the context of vocal learning. Though the relevance of the SRGAP2 gene duplication in the emergence of some aspect of language has not gone completely unnoticed, recent results now allow us to articulate a mechanistic hypothesis of its role in the context of axon guidance. Specifically, SRGAP2C, a duplication of SRGAP2 crucially also found in Neanderthals and Denisovans, but not in extant mammals, inhibits the ancestral SRGAP2A, which in turn modulates the axon guidance function of the SLIT-ROBO molecular pathway. This, we claim, could have contributed to the establishment of the critical cortico-laryngeal connection of the vocal learning circuit. Our conclusions support the idea that complex vocal learning could already have been part of the arsenal of some of our extinct ancestors.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2017

Comparative Genomic Evidence For Self-Domestication In Homo sapiens

This study identifies and analyzes statistically significant overlaps between selective sweep screens in anatomically modern humans and several domesticated species. The results obtained suggest that (paleo-) genomic data can be exploited to complement the fossil record and support the idea of self-domestication in Homo sapiens, a process that likely intensified as our species populated its niche. Our analysis lends support to attempts to capture the \"domestication syndrome\" in terms of alterations to certain signaling pathways and cell lineages, such as the neural crest.

genomics↗