In a recent set of studies, investigators have finally found one of the most important genes in our bodies, the one that determines our ability to formulate and understand speech. The gene, called FOXP2, can be found in all humans, but lacks in chimpanzees, other primates and big apes. It is a transcription factor, which means that it plays a crucial part in regulating the evolution of other genes as well, LiveScience reports. In previous researches, it was proven that the gene remained relatively unchanged over the course of mammalian evolution.

The first changes began to appear soon after the humans and chimps each went their separate ways on the evolutionary road. But the major change in FOXP2 did not appear until some 200,000 years ago, when our ancestors started formulating their thoughts and feelings into words that others could comprehend and process. Evolutionary biologists believe that only two amino-acids modified in the gene, but that this was enough to bring about a major change in human evolution. Speech is often considered one of the crucial elements in our development, alongside the harnessing of fire, and tools.

“We showed that the human and chimp versions of FOXP2 not only look different but function differently too. Our findings may shed light on why human brains are born with the circuitry for speech and language and chimp brains are not,” University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) study researcher Daniel Geschwind explains. In a study they conducted on neuronal cells, using both the human and the chimp versions of FOXP2, the scientists discovered some 116 genes that were expressed differently in the two species. This implies that the transcription factor is responsible for the differences, the experts add.

“We believe FOXP2 is not only important for the higher order cognitive aspect of language but also for the motor aspect of speech and language,” UCLA postdoctoral fellow in neurology Genevieve Konopka adds. She has also been the lead researcher in the new investigation. The expert adds that one of the other things that allow us to speak articulately is the hyoid bone, under the tongue, which is not connected to any other bone in the body. Details of this amazing research appear in the November 12 issue of the respected scientific journal Nature.