Gene Responsible for Human Speech Identified

Posted on 2009-10-27 06:00:00 in Genetic Research | Speech & Language |

Utilizing the latest techniques in gene analysis, Raymond Clarke, from University of New South Wales (Australia), and colleagues have identified a novel gene involved in vocal development and the human capacity for speech. Because the gene was disrupted in a large family with a severe vocal disorder, the researchers named this new gene, “tospeak.” The researchers discovered that the “tospeak” gene is unique to primates, and is a relatively young gene (meaning it is not conserved over generations).  The team observes that: “Tospeak is a very large gene found in primates that overlaps two other neighboring genes. While we still don’t know exactly how these genes function, we believe that these three genes probably act together to influence human vocal development through the regulation of gene transcription, the biochemical composition of the vocal cords, and the anatomical structure of the voice box which underlie the human capacity for speech.”

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“Tospeak, a Novel Gene Involved in Human Vocal Development and Speech, Identified by Australian-based Research Team,” in “New Genetics Research Findings Expand Our Understanding of How Human Populations Have Evolved” (Press Release), The American Society of Human Genetics, October 22, 2009.


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