Molecular evolution of the human SRPX2 gene that causes brain disorders of the Rolandic and Sylvian speech areas

Abstract

The R75K human-specific variation occurred in an important functional loop of the first sushi domain of SRPX2, indicating that this evolutionary mutation may have functional importance; however, positive selection for R75K could not be demonstrated. Nevertheless, our data contribute to the first understanding of molecular evolution of the human SPRX2 gene. Further experiments are now required in order to evaluate the possible consequences of R75K on SRPX2 interactions and functioning.