FOXP2 facts for kids
FOXP2 is a gene which codes for a protein needed for speech and language.
It codes for "Forkhead box protein P2", which is needed for the proper development of speech and language in humans. Versions of this gene occur in many vertebrates, where it generally plays a role in communication (for instance, the development of bird song).
FOXP2 is the first gene found which affects speech and language. The gene is more active in females than in males. In humans, mutations of FOXP2 cause a severe speech and language disorder.
FOXP2 is popularly dubbed the "language gene", but this is only partly correct since there are other genes involved in language development. It directly regulates a number of other genes, including CNTNAP2, CTBP1, and SRPX2.
Two amino acid substitutions distinguish the human FOXP2 protein from that found in chimpanzees. Evidence suggests that these changes affect the functions of FOXP2.
Images for kids
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Foxp2 is expressed in the developing cerebellum and the hindbrain of the embryonic day 13.5 mouse. Allen Brain Atlases
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Human FOXP2 gene and evolutionary conservation is shown in a multiple alignment (at bottom of figure) in this image from the UCSC Genome Browser. Note that conservation tends to cluster around coding regions (exons).
See also
In Spanish: FoxP2 para niños
