Ongoing Adaptive Evolution of ASPM , a Brain Size Determinant in Homo sapiens

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1116815
• Publication Date: 2005-09-08T21:28:08Z
• Authors: Nitzan Mekel-Bobrov; Sandra L. Gilbert; Patrick D. Evans; Eric J. Vallender; Jeffrey R. Anderson; Richard R. Hudson; Sarah A. Tishkoff; Bruce T. Lahn
• Keywords: Homo sapiens; Microcephaly; Lineage (genetic); Adaptive Evolution; Positive selection

The gene ASPM ( abnormal spindle-like microcephaly associated ) is a specific regulator of brain size, and its evolution in the lineage leading to Homo sapiens was driven by strong positive selection. Here, we show that one genetic variant humans arose merely about 5800 years ago has since swept high frequency under These findings, especially remarkably young age positively selected variant, suggest human still undergoing rapid adaptive evolution.