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Genetic research

New Study Identifies Two Genes Linked to Human Brain Features

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study published in the journal Cell has identified two genes, GPR89B and FRMPD2B, that are linked to human brain features, such as brain size and synapse signaling. The research, which was conducted by a team of scientists at the University of California, Davis, used a new approach to study the "dark matter" of the human genome, which includes regions of DNA with duplicated or repeat sequences. This approach, known as the telomere-to-telomere human genome, has been used to identify duplicated genes that are expressed in the brain and conserved among individuals.

The study's findings could lead to new insights into the functioning and evolution of the human brain, as well as the roots of language disorders and autism. The researchers used zebrafish as a model organism to test the function of the identified genes and found that both GPR89B and FRMPD2B are involved in brain development. The study's dataset is being made available to the scientific community, making it easier to screen duplicated regions for mutations related to various diseases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified two genes, GPR89B and FRMPD2B, that are linked to human brain features, such as brain size and synapse signaling.
  • The research used the telomere-to-telomere human genome to study the "dark matter" of the human genome.
  • The approach identified duplicated genes that are expressed in the brain and conserved among individuals.
  • The study's findings could lead to new insights into the functioning and evolution of the human brain.
  • The researchers used zebrafish as a model organism to test the function of the identified genes.
  • The study's dataset is being made available to the scientific community.

Statistics:

  • 250 candidate gene families were identified in the study.
  • 2 genes, GPR89B and FRMPD2B, were found to contribute to features of the human brain.
  • 10% of the genome is thought to be composed of duplicated or repeat sequences.
  • 1000 Genomes Project was used to determine that the identified genes are found in all humans.

Sources:

  • Cell journal, "Two genes linked to human brain features and autism" (July 21, 2025)
  • University of California, Davis, press release "Study identifies two genes linked to human brain features" (July 21, 2025)
  • National Institutes of Health, grant award number [not specified]
  • National Science Foundation, grant award number [not specified]
  • The Wellcome Trust, grant award number [not specified]
  • UC Davis Genome Center, Megan Dennis's webpage [not specified]

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