"Science" Yale University scientists discover what makes the human brain different

How does the human brain differ from the brains of all other animals, including our closest relatives, the primates? Yale University researchers have identified four primate prefrontal cortex cell types by analyzing cell types Species-specific—especially human-specific—characteristics

In this study, the scientists looked specifically at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)

Nenad Sestan said: "Today, we think that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a core component of human identity, but we still don't know what makes humans so unique and distinguishes us from other primate species

To answer this question, the scientists first asked whether there were any unique cell types in humans or other non-human primate species analyzed

The researchers found that human-specific microglia cell types exist throughout development and adulthood

"We humans live in a very different environment and have a unique way of life compared to other primates; and glial cells, including microglia, are very sensitive to these differences," Sestan said

Analysis of the gene expression of microglia revealed another human-specific surprise—the presence of the FOXP2 gene

"FOXP2 has attracted many scientists for decades, but we still don't know what makes it unique among humans and other primate species," said Shaojie Ma

Reference: Molecular and cellular evolution of the primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex