Evolutionary changes in promoter and enhancer activity during human corticogenesis

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1260943
• Publication Date: 2015-03-05T19:06:42Z
• Authors: Steven K. Reilly; Jun Yin; Albert E. Ayoub; Deena Emera; Jing Leng; Justin Cotney; Richard Sarro; Pasko Rakic; James P. Noonan
• Keywords: Corticogenesis; Human brain; Epigenesis; Rhesus macaque

Human higher cognition is attributed to the evolutionary expansion and elaboration of human cerebral cortex. However, genetic mechanisms contributing these developmental changes are poorly understood. We used comparative epigenetic profiling human, rhesus macaque, mouse corticogenesis identify promoters enhancers that have gained activity in humans. These gains significantly enriched modules coexpressed genes cortex function neuronal proliferation, migration, cortical-map organization. Gain-enriched also showed correlated gene expression patterns similar transcription factor binding site enrichments enhancers, suggesting they connected by common regulatory mechanisms. Our results reveal coordinated potential associated with conserved processes during corticogenesis, providing insight into cortical evolution.