Speech-related gene helps wire developing brain

July 8, 2011

Foxp2, a gene involved in speech and language, helps regulate the wiring of neurons in the brain, researchers at theĀ The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford have determined.

Foxp2 codes for a regulatory protein that provides a window into unusual aspects of brain function. In 2001, scientists discovered that mutations of the human gene cause a rare form of speech and language disorder. The finding triggered a decade of intense research into the human gene and corresponding versions found in other species — for example, it has been shown to affect vocal imitation in songbirds, and learning of rapid movement sequences in mice.

The researchers gained insights into the functions of Foxp2 within the developing brain by exploiting its role as a genetic dimmer switch — turning up or down the amount of product made by other genes.

In their large-scale screening of embryonic brain tissue, they identified many novel targets regulated by Foxp2. Remarkably, many of these targets were known to be important for connectivity of the central nervous system. The team went on to show that changing Foxp2 levels in neurons impacted the length and branching of neuronal projections, a key route for modulating the wiring of the developing brain.

“The current study provides the most thorough characterization of Foxp2 target pathways to date,” notes Dr. Simon E. Fisher of The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford. “It offers a number of compelling new candidate genes that could be investigated in people with language problems.”

Ref.: Simon E. Fisher, et al., Foxp2 Regulates Gene Networks Implicated in Neurite Outgrowth in the Developing Brain, PLoS Genet 7(7): e1002145 [DOI:10.1371/journal.pgen.1002145]