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New insights into the development of the human brain
Two specific genes that evolve exclusively in humans jointly influence the development of the cerebrum. Researchers from the German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics have discovered this in a recently published study. They have thus provided evidence that these genes contribute together to the evolutionary enlargement of the brain (Science Advances).
The results of the study show that the two genes act in a finely tuned interplay: one ensures that the progenitor cells of the brain multiply more, while the other causes these cells to transform into a different type of progenitor cell - the cells that later form the nerve cells of the brain. In the course of evolution, this interplay has led to the human brain being unique in its size and complexity.
The newly gained insights not only provide a deeper understanding of the evolutionary development of our brain but could also help to better comprehend how certain developmental disorders or diseases of the brain arise. ‘Our findings deepen the fundamental understanding of brain development and provide new insights into the evolutionary origins of our large brain. In the long term, they could contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches for malformations of the brain,’ says Nesil Eşiyok, first author of the study.
Various methods were combined for the study: In addition to animal experiments with mice, alternative methods such as chimpanzee brain organoids were also used. ‘The remarkable feature of our study is that the results from animal experiments and alternative methods complement each other well and mutually confirm their findings. . This not only emphasizes the high significance of our results, but could also help to reduce the need for animal experiments in the future by further developing, refining and confirming alternative methods,’ explains Michael Heide, the study’s lead researcher.
Original publication
Nesil Eşiyok, Neringa Liutikaite, Christiane Haffner, Jula Peters, Sabrina Heide, Christina Eugster Oegema, Wieland B. Huttner, Michael Heide (2025): A dyad of human-specific NBPF14 and NOTCH2NLB orchestrates cortical progenitor abundance crucial for human neocortex expansion. Science Advances 11, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads7543
Contact and notes for editors
Dr. Michael Heide
Phone: +49 (0)551 3851-323
Email: mheide@dpz.eu
Dr. Susanne Diederich (Communication)
Phone: +49 (0) 551 3851-359
Email: sdiederich@dpz.eu
Printable images are available using this link: https://medien.dpz.eu/pinaccess/pinaccess.do?pinCode=I3s4D2C2F0C3
You will also find the press release on our website once the embargo period has expired. Please send us a copy or link in case of publication.
The German Primate Center (DPZ) - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research conducts biological and biomedical research on and with primates in the fields of infection research, neuroscience and primate biology. The DPZ also maintains five field stations in the tropics and is a reference and service center for all aspects of primate research. The DPZ is one of the 96 research and infrastructure facilities of the Leibniz Association.
Dr. Michael Heide
Phone: +49 (0)551 3851-323
Email: mheide@dpz.eu
Nesil Eşiyok, Neringa Liutikaite, Christiane Haffner, Jula Peters, Sabrina Heide, Christina Eugster Oegema, Wieland B. Huttner, Michael Heide (2025): A dyad of human-specific NBPF14 and NOTCH2NLB orchestrates cortical progenitor abundance crucial for human neocortex expansion. Science Advances 11, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads7543
https://medien.dpz.eu/pinaccess/pinaccess.do?pinCode=I3s4D2C2F0C3 Printable images and video
Section of an electroporated, genetically modified chimpanzee brain organoid. Cell nuclei in blue, p ...
Nesil Eşiyok
Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH
Brain organoid of a chimpanzee grown for 14 days in culture
Lidiia Tynianskaia
Deutsches Primatenzentrum GmbH
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