语言相关基因

Language-related genes

20世纪90年代,科学家通过对英国"KE家族"一家三代的基因图谱和突变的分析,发现了第一个与人类语言有关的基因—FOXP2,这一发现填补了语言基因方面的空白,也为进一步研究人类语言的产生提供了线索。之后又发现了与人类音调语言有关的基因ASPM(abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated)和Microcephalin。本文就语言基因的发现、结构与功能以及分子进化的研究进展做一概述,以期能为该领域的研究提供有益的借鉴。

In 1990s, Forkhead-box P2 （FOXP2）, the first gene, was discovered to be involved in speech and language, through genetic mapping and mutational analysis in a three-generation pedigree of the ＂KE＂ family. This discovery not only enriched genes of speech and language, but also helped us understand our ability of acquiring spoken language. Then abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated genes-ASPM and Microcephalin which are related to the ability of learning linguistic tone were found. In this review, the discovery, structure, function, as well as progress of molecular evolution in these genes were introduced to provide some information for the research in this field.