Human-specific amino acids in the FOXP2 protein: an example of positive selection fostering language acquisition?

Human-specific amino acids in the FOXP2 protein: an example of positive selection fostering language acquisition?



The FOXP2 gene has been very highly conserved: the chimpanzee, gorilla, and macaque have the same FOXP2 protein sequence, and the substitutions shown refer to changes from that common sequence. Thus, the mouse protein is identical except for one conservative substitution. Given the extraordinary level of evolutionary conservation, it is very unusual to find two amino acid substitutions in the short evolutionary branch leading to modern humans and Neanderthals. These changes affect specifically cortico-striatal circuits involved in developing motor and cognitive skills

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