Ongoing Adaptive Evolution of ASPM , a Brain Size Determinant in Homo sapiens

2005/09/08 by Nitzan Mekel-Bobrov, Sandra L. Gilbert, Patrick Evans +5 · 4 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Social Sciences · #Forensic and Genetic Research #Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology #Genetic Associations and Epidemiology

paper · doi:10.1126/science.1116815

openalex publication_date 2005/09/08 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

The gene ASPM (abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated) is a specific regulator of brain size, and its evolution in the lineage leading to Homo sapiens was driven by strong positive selection. Here, we show that one genetic variant of ASPM in humans arose merely about 5800 years ago and has since swept to high frequency under strong positive selection. These findings, especially the remarkably young age of the positively selected variant, suggest that the human brain is still undergoing rapid adaptive evolution.

Citations

• Stratigraphic placement and age of modern humans from Kibish, Ethiopia
• Genetic Structure of Human Populations

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