Genetic contributions to speech and language

Mutations in the FOXP2 gene cause severe speech and language disorder. FOXP2 encodes a protein that regulates the switching on and off of other genes. It is not yet clear why mutations of FOXP2 mainly impact on language, and the neural mechanisms that it directs remain largely unknown. Scientists at the MPI for Psycholinguistics performed large-scale screens of genetic pathways downstream of this regulatory protein in developing brain, and uncovered a role in modulating connectivity of neurons. These data suggest that FOXP2 may help in wiring up neural circuits important for language.