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Bakoev SY, Korobeinikova AV, Mishina AI, Kabieva SS, Mitrofanov SI, Ivashechkin AA, Akinshina AI, Snigir EA, Yudin SM, Yudin VS, Getmantseva LV, Anderzhanova EA. Genomic Signatures of Positive Selection in Human Populations of the OXT, OXTR, AVP, AVPR1A and AVR1B Gene Variants Related to the Regulation of Psychoemotional Response. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2053. [PMID: 38002996 PMCID: PMC10670988 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological systems of maintenance and control of behavioral responses result from natural selection. We have analyzed the selection signatures for single nucleotide variants (SNV) of the genes of oxytocin (OXT, OXTR) and vasopressin (AVP, AVPR1A, AVPR1B) systems, which are associated with the regulation of social and emotional behavior in distinct populations. The analysis was performed using original WGS (whole genome sequencing) data on Eastern Slavs (SlEast), as well as publicly available data from the 1000 Genomes Project on GBR, FIN, IBR, PUR, BEB, CHB, and ACB populations (the latter were taken as reference). To identify selection signatures, we rated the integrated haplotype scores (iHS), the numbers of segregating sites by length (nSl), and the integrated haplotype homozygosity pooled (iHH12) measures; the fixation index Fst was implemented to assess genetic differentiation between populations. We revealed that the strongest genetic differentiation of populations was found with respect to the AVPR1B gene, with the greatest differentiation observed in GRB (Fst = 0.316) and CHB (Fst = 0.325) in comparison to ACB. Also, high Fst values were found for SNVs of the AVPR1B gene rs28499431, rs33940624, rs28477649, rs3883899, and rs28452187 in most of the populations. Selection signatures have also been identified in the AVP, AVPR1A, OXT, and OXTR genes. Our analysis shows that the OXT, OXTR, AVP, AVPR1A, and AVPR1B genes were subject to positive selection in a population-specific process, which was likely contributing to the diversity of adaptive emotional response types and social function realizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siroj Yu. Bakoev
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “Centre for Strategic Planning and Management of Biomedical Health Risks” of the Federal Medical Biological Agency (Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of Russia), Pogodinskaya Street, 10, Bld. 1, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (A.I.M.); (S.S.K.); (S.I.M.); (A.A.I.); (A.I.A.); (E.A.S.); (S.M.Y.); (V.S.Y.); (L.V.G.); (E.A.A.)
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Townsend C, Ferraro JV, Habecker H, Flinn MV. Human cooperation and evolutionary transitions in individuality. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210414. [PMID: 36688393 PMCID: PMC9869453 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A major evolutionary transition in individuality involves the formation of a cooperative group and the transformation of that group into an evolutionary entity. Human cooperation shares principles with those of multicellular organisms that have undergone transitions in individuality: division of labour, communication, and fitness interdependence. After the split from the last common ancestor of hominoids, early hominins adapted to an increasingly terrestrial niche for several million years. We posit that new challenges in this niche set in motion a positive feedback loop in selection pressure for cooperation that ratcheted coevolutionary changes in sociality, communication, brains, cognition, kin relations and technology, eventually resulting in egalitarian societies with suppressed competition and rapid cumulative culture. The increasing pace of information innovation and transmission became a key aspect of the evolutionary niche that enabled humans to become formidable cooperators with explosive population growth, the ability to cooperate and compete in groups of millions, and emergent social norms, e.g. private property. Despite considerable fitness interdependence, the rise of private property, in concert with population explosion and socioeconomic inequality, subverts potential transition of human groups into evolutionary entities due to resurgence of latent competition and conflict. This article is part of the theme issue 'Human socio-cultural evolution in light of evolutionary transitions'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn Townsend
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7334, USA
| | - Joseph V. Ferraro
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7334, USA
| | - Heather Habecker
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7334, USA
| | - Mark V. Flinn
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7334, USA
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Neuroimaging genetics of oxytocin: A transcriptomics-informed systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Theofanopoulou C, Andirkó A, Boeckx C, Jarvis ED. Oxytocin and vasotocin receptor variation and the evolution of human prosociality. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100139. [PMID: 35757177 PMCID: PMC9227999 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern human lifestyle strongly depends on complex social traits like empathy, tolerance and cooperation. These diverse facets of social cognition have been associated with variation in the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and its sister genes, the vasotocin/vasopressin receptors (VTR1A/AVPR1A and AVPR1B/VTR1B). Here, we compared the available genomic sequences of these receptors between modern humans, archaic humans, and 12 non-human primate species, and identified sites that show heterozygous variation in modern humans and archaic humans distinct from variation in other primates, and for which we could find association studies with clinical implications. On these sites, we performed a range of analyses (variant clustering, pathogenicity prediction, regulation, linkage disequilibrium frequency), and reviewed the literature on selection data in different modern-human populations. We found five sites with modern human specific variation, where the modern human allele is the major allele in the global population (OTR: rs1042778, rs237885, rs6770632; VTR1A: rs10877969; VTR1B: rs33985287). Among them, variation in the OTR-rs6770632 site was predicted to be the most functional. Two alleles (OTR: rs59190448 and rs237888) present only in modern humans and archaic humans were putatively under positive selection in modern humans, with rs237888 predicted to be a highly functional site. Three sites showed convergent evolution between modern humans and bonobos (OTR: rs2228485 and rs237897; VTR1A: rs1042615), with OTR-rs2228485 ranking highly in terms of functionality and reported to be under balancing selection in modern humans (Schaschl, 2015) [1]. Our findings have implications for understanding hominid prosociality, as well as the similarities between modern human and bonobo social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Andirkó
- Section of General Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute for Complex Systems, USA
| | - Cedric Boeckx
- Section of General Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona Institute for Complex Systems, USA
- ICREA, Spain
| | - Erich D. Jarvis
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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Fieder M, Huber S. Contemporary selection pressures in modern societies? Which factors best explain variance in human reproduction and mating? EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Benítez-Burraco A, Pörtl D, Jung C. Did Dog Domestication Contribute to Language Evolution? Front Psychol 2021; 12:695116. [PMID: 34589022 PMCID: PMC8473740 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.695116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Different factors seemingly account for the emergence of present-day languages in our species. Human self-domestication has been recently invoked as one important force favoring language complexity mostly via a cultural mechanism. Because our self-domestication ultimately resulted from selection for less aggressive behavior and increased prosocial behavior, any evolutionary or cultural change impacting on aggression levels is expected to have fostered this process. Here, we hypothesize about a parallel domestication of humans and dogs, and more specifically, about a positive effect of our interaction with dogs on human self-domestication, and ultimately, on aspects of language evolution, through the mechanisms involved in the control of aggression. We review evidence of diverse sort (ethological mostly, but also archeological, genetic, and physiological) supporting such an effect and propose some ways of testing our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Daniela Pörtl
- Psychiatric Department, Saale-Unstrut Klinikum, Teaching Hospital Leipzig and Jena Universities, Naumburg, Germany
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Hussain I, Raza RZ, Ali S, Abrar M, Abbasi AA. Molecular signatures of selection on the human GLI3 associated central nervous system specific enhancers. Dev Genes Evol 2021; 231:21-32. [PMID: 33655411 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-021-00672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The zinc finger-containing transcription factor Gli3 is a key mediator of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. In vertebrates, Gli3 has widespread expression pattern during early embryonic development. Along the anteroposterior axes of the central nervous system (CNS), dorsoventral neural pattern elaboration is achieved through Hh mediated spatio-temporal deployment of Gli3 transcripts. Previously, we and others uncovered a set of enhancers that mediate many of the known aspects of Gli3 expression during neurogenesis. However, the potential role of Gli3 associated enhancers in trait evolution has not yet received any significant attention. Here, we investigate the evolutionary patterns of Gli3 associated CNS-specific enhancers that have been reported so far. A subset of these enhancers has undergone an accelerated rate of molecular evolution in the human lineage in comparison to other primates/mammals. These fast-evolving enhancers have acquired human-specific changes in transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs). These human-unique changes within subset of Gli3 associated CNS-specific enhancers were further validated as single nucleotide polymorphisms through 1000 Genome Project Phase 3 data. This work not only infers the molecular evolutionary patterns of Gli3 associated enhancers but also provides clues for putative genetic basis of the population-specificity of gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Hussain
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Rabail Zehra Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, The Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Ali
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abrar
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Amir Ali Abbasi
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Program of Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
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Schahbasi A, Huber S, Fieder M. Factors affecting attitudes toward migrants-An evolutionary approach. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 33:e23435. [PMID: 32458587 PMCID: PMC7900986 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand migration from an evolutionary perspective, this phenomenon has so far been mainly investigated in animal species. We therefore aim to investigate the potential evolutionary roots of attitudes toward migrants in humans. METHODS We used data from the European Social Survey (n = 83 734), analyzing attitudes toward migrants by performing ordinal mixed models. RESULTS We found that men have a more restrictive attitude toward migration than women, which increases with age and is stronger with a child in the household. Attitude toward migrants is also more skeptical if migrants have a different ethnicity and are from poorer countries. Increasing education and religiousness are associated with a more positive attitude toward migrants, particularly toward migrants of different ethnicity and from poorer countries. DISCUSSION Although migration flows are a hallmark of the human species, previous findings suggest that (pre-)historic migration flows were at times accompanied by conflict and violence, while at the same time, they insured survival by allowing cultural exchange and the avoidance of inbreeding. Accordingly, we assume that contemporary attitudes toward migration are rooted in our evolutionary past. We discuss the respective behavioral patterns from an evolutionary perspective, arguing that both-a negative attitude as well as openness-make sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Schahbasi
- Department of Evolutionary AnthropologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Erlangen Centre for Islam & Law in EuropeFriedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Susanne Huber
- Department of Evolutionary AnthropologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Martin Fieder
- Department of Evolutionary AnthropologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Williams Syndrome, Human Self-Domestication, and Language Evolution. Front Psychol 2019; 10:521. [PMID: 30936846 PMCID: PMC6431629 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Language evolution resulted from changes in our biology, behavior, and culture. One source of these changes might be human self-domestication. Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition with a clearly defined genetic basis which results in a distinctive behavioral and cognitive profile, including enhanced sociability. In this paper we show evidence that the WS phenotype can be satisfactorily construed as a hyper-domesticated human phenotype, plausibly resulting from the effect of the WS hemideletion on selected candidates for domestication and neural crest (NC) function. Specifically, we show that genes involved in animal domestication and NC development and function are significantly dysregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. We also discuss the consequences of this link between domestication and WS for our current understanding of language evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- Ph.D. Program, Faculty of Humanities, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature, Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Abstract
During the course of evolution the human brain has increased in size and complexity, ultimately these differences are the result of changes at the genetic level. Identifying and characterizing molecular evolution requires an understanding of both the genetic underpinning of the system as well as the comparative genetic tools to identify signatures of selection. This chapter aims to describe our current understanding of the genetics of human brain evolution. Primarily this is the story of the evolution of the human brain since our last common ape ancestor, but where relevant we will also discuss changes that are unique to the primate brain (compared to other mammals) or various other lineages in the evolution of humans more generally. It will focus on genetic changes that both directly affected the development and function of the brain as well as those that have indirectly influenced brain evolution through both prenatal and postnatal environment. This review is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to begin to construct a general framework for understanding the full array of data being generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Vallender
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States; Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States.
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Roach KL, Hershberger PE, Rutherford JN, Molokie RE, Wang ZJ, Wilkie DJ. The AVPR1A Gene and Its Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs10877969: A Literature Review of Associations with Health Conditions and Pain. Pain Manag Nurs 2018; 19:430-444. [PMID: 29503216 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is the quintessential symptom for individuals suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD). Although the degree of suffering and the cost of treatment are staggering, SCD continues to be grossly understudied, including a lack of data for pain-related genes and prevalence of polymorphisms in this population. This lack of data adds to the inadequacy of pain therapy in this population. Pain genetics investigators have recently examined allele frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms from candidate genes in people who have SCD. One of the genes identified was the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A gene (AVPR1A) and its associated single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10877969. Progress in explaining pain-related polymorphisms associated with SCD can be facilitated by understanding the literature. Aim/Design: The purpose of this literature review was to describe mechanisms of the polymorphic gene AVPR1A and the phenotypic variations associated with its SNPs relative to health conditions and pain. METHODS Published studies were included if the research addressed AVPR1A and was a full article in a peer-reviewed journal, in the English language, a human or animal study, and published 2009 to present. Abstracts were included if they were in English and provided information not found in a full article. RESULTS The results of this review revealed that AVPR1A is associated with behavioral phenotypes, which include pair bonding, autism spectrum disorder, musical aptitude, infidelity, altruism, monogamy, mating, substance abuse, and alcohol preference. In addition, there were associations with pain, stress pain by sex, and sickle cell pain. CONCLUSION Summary of this literature could provide insights into future pain research of this SNP in people with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keesha L Roach
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Patricia E Hershberger
- Department of Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Julienne N Rutherford
- Department of Women, Child, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert E Molokie
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Division of Hematology/Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Jessie Brown Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Zaijie Jim Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Diana J Wilkie
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, Florida
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Viscardi LH, Paixão-Côrtes VR, Comas D, Salzano FM, Rovaris D, Bau CD, Amorim CEG, Bortolini MC. Searching for ancient balanced polymorphisms shared between Neanderthals and Modern Humans. Genet Mol Biol 2018; 41:67-81. [PMID: 29658973 PMCID: PMC5901502 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2017-0308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hominin evolution is characterized by adaptive solutions often rooted in behavioral and cognitive changes. If balancing selection had an important and long-lasting impact on the evolution of these traits, it can be hypothesized that genes associated with them should carry an excess of shared polymorphisms (trans- SNPs) across recent Homo species. In this study, we investigate the role of balancing selection in human evolution using available exomes from modern (Homo sapiens) and archaic humans (H. neanderthalensis and Denisovan) for an excess of trans-SNP in two gene sets: one associated with the immune system (IMMS) and another one with behavioral system (BEHS). We identified a significant excess of trans-SNPs in IMMS (N=547), of which six of these located within genes previously associated with schizophrenia. No excess of trans-SNPs was found in BEHS, but five genes in this system harbor potential signals for balancing selection and are associated with psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders. Our approach evidenced recent Homo trans-SNPs that have been previously implicated in psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia, suggesting that a genetic repertoire common to the immune and behavioral systems could have been maintained by balancing selection starting before the split between archaic and modern humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henriques Viscardi
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - David Comas
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-UPF), Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de LaSalut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Mauro Salzano
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Diego Rovaris
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claiton Dotto Bau
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo G. Amorim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, U.S.A
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, U.S.A
| | - Maria Cátira Bortolini
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Abstract
Oxytocin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide first recognized as a regulator of parturition and lactation which has recently gained attention for its ability to modulate social behaviors. In this chapter, we review several aspects of the oxytocinergic system, focusing on evidence for release of oxytocin and its receptor distribution in the cortex as the foundation for important networks that control social behavior. We examine the developmental timeline of the cortical oxytocin system as demonstrated by RNA, autoradiographic binding, and protein immunohistochemical studies, and describe how that might shape brain development and behavior. Many recent studies have implicated oxytocin in cognitive processes such as processing of sensory stimuli, social recognition, social memory, and fear. We review these studies and discuss the function of oxytocin in the young and adult cortex as a neuromodulator of central synaptic transmission and mediator of plasticity.
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Theofanopoulou C. Implications of Oxytocin in Human Linguistic Cognition: From Genome to Phenome. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:271. [PMID: 27378840 PMCID: PMC4906233 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin (OXT) has been found to mediate the regulation of complex socioemotional cognition in multiple ways both in humans and other animals. Recent studies have investigated the effects of OXT in different levels of analysis (from genetic to behavioral) chiefly targeting its impact on the social component and only indirectly indicating its implications in other components of our socio-interactive abilities. This article aims at shedding light onto how OXT might be modulating the multimodality that characterizes our higher-order linguistic abilities (vocal-auditory-attentional-memory-social systems). Based on evidence coming from genetic, EEG, fMRI, and behavioral studies, I attempt to establish the promises of this perspective with the goal of stressing the need for neuropeptide treatments to enter clinical practice.
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Balakirev ES, Anisimova M, Pavlyuchkov VA, Ayala FJ. DNA polymorphism and selection at the bindin locus in three Strongylocentrotus sp. (Echinoidea). BMC Genet 2016; 17:66. [PMID: 27176219 PMCID: PMC4866015 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sperm gene bindin encodes a gamete recognition protein, which plays an important role in conspecific fertilization and reproductive isolation of sea urchins. Molecular evolution of the gene has been extensively investigated with the attention focused on the protein coding regions. Intron evolution has been investigated to a much lesser extent. We have studied nucleotide variability in the complete bindin locus, including two exons and one intron, in the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius represented by two morphological forms. We have also analyzed all available bindin sequences for two other sea urchin species, S. pallidus and S. droebachiensis. RESULTS The results show that the bindin sequences from the two forms of S. intermedius are intermingled with no evidence of genetic divergence; however, the forms exhibit slightly different patterns in bindin variability. The level of the bindin nucleotide diversity is close for S. intermedius and S. droebachiensis, but noticeably higher for S. pallidus. The distribution of variability is non-uniform along the gene; however there are striking similarities among the species, indicating similar evolutionary trends in this gene engaged in reproductive function. The patterns of nucleotide variability and divergence are radically different in the bindin coding and intron regions. Positive selection is detected in the bindin coding region. The neutrality tests as well as the maximum likelihood approaches suggest the action of diversifying selection in the bindin intron. CONCLUSIONS Significant deviation from neutrality has been detected in the bindin coding region and suggested in the intron, indicating the possible functional importance of the bindin intron variability. To clarify the question concerning possible involvement of diversifying selection in the bindin intron evolution more data combining population genetic and functional approaches are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniy S Balakirev
- A. V. Zhirmunsky Institute of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia.
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697-2525, USA.
- Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690950, Russia.
| | - Maria Anisimova
- Institute of Applied Simulation, School of Life Sciences and Facility Management, Zürich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, 8820, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | | | - Francisco J Ayala
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 321 Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA, 92697-2525, USA
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Fieder M, Huber S. The Adapting Mind in the Genomic Era. Front Psychol 2016; 7:78. [PMID: 26869977 PMCID: PMC4735379 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomics and molecular biology has added substantial methods and knowledge to nearly all fields of biology and medicine. In this review we try to demonstrate how genomics and molecular biology is also on the way to have a profound impact on behavioral anthropology, evolutionary psychology, evolutionary sociology, and bio-sociology. We propose that particularly studies on “selection and adaptation” will be influenced profoundly by genomics, for instance via identification of the partially genetic basis of human behavior by “candidate gene studies” and by “genome wide association studies.” In addition, epigenetics will lead to a deeper study of the interaction of the genetic basis of a behavior and its environmental regulation. We argue that the “genomic revolution” is much more than merely a new methodological approach, but will change our concepts of human behavior and its development in the evolution of homo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Fieder
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Huber
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna Vienna, Austria
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Azevedo L, Serrano C, Amorim A, Cooper DN. Trans-species polymorphism in humans and the great apes is generally maintained by balancing selection that modulates the host immune response. Hum Genomics 2015; 9:21. [PMID: 26337052 PMCID: PMC4559023 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-015-0043-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Known examples of ancient identical-by-descent genetic variants being shared between evolutionarily related species, known as trans-species polymorphisms (TSPs), result from counterbalancing selective forces acting on target genes to confer resistance against infectious agents. To date, putative TSPs between humans and other primate species have been identified for the highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the histo-blood ABO group, two antiviral genes (ZC3HAV1 and TRIM5), an autoimmunity-related gene LAD1 and several non-coding genomic segments with a putative regulatory role. Although the number of well-characterized TSPs under long-term balancing selection is still very small, these examples are connected by a common thread, namely that they involve genes with key roles in the immune system and, in heterozygosity, appear to confer genetic resistance to pathogens. Here, we review known cases of shared polymorphism that appear to be under long-term balancing selection in humans and the great apes. Although the specific selective agent(s) responsible are still unknown, these TSPs may nevertheless be seen as constituting important adaptive events that have occurred during the evolution of the primate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Azevedo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- IPATIMUP-Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Serrano
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- IPATIMUP-Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Antonio Amorim
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- IPATIMUP-Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
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