Scientists from the USA and China conducted the most complete comparison of human and other primates to find out what genetic changes are responsible for our unique features, such as large brain, high intelligence and complex behavior.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of 14 types of primates, including humans, chimpanzees, gorilla, orangutan, bonobo and Makaku. They found that about 8% of the human genome differs from the genomes of other primates in terms of expression (activity) of genes.
Most of these differences are associated with the functioning of the brain, immune system and reproductive organs. For example, in humans, the expression of genes associated with neurogenesis (the formation of new nerve cells), synaptic plasticity (the ability of nerve compounds to change under the influence of experience) and learning are increased.
“We wanted to understand what genes and what mechanisms are the basis of human evolution,” said one of the authors of the study of Zhang and (Zhang Yi) from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology.
He added that these data can help study the development of the human brain, as well as diseases associated with its disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Research created hybrid embryos of people and monkeys, introducing human stem cells into them. The purpose of such an experiment was to find out whether it is possible to grow human organs in animals for transplantation.
However, such experiments cause many ethical questions and criticism. Scientists warn that the creation of chimera can lead to a violation of the natural balance in nature, as well as to the appearance of creatures with indefinite status and rights.
In another study, scientists from China created transgenic monkeys with the human version of the gene responsible for brain development. They found that such monkeys had the best memory and ability to teach than control animals. However, they also had a longer development period and a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
These studies show that genes play an important role in the formation of human specifics, but also bear potential risks for health and well -being of both people and animals.