April 26, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] A team of Korean researchers have succeeded in finding the genetic link between a person’s brain size and language learning abilities, according to a recent study a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Psychiatry on June 27.

The study was led by professor Lee Chang-joon of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology along with professor Ryu In-kyun and Kim Ji-eun of Ewha Womans University. 

The researchers said they discovered the non-neuronal gene, called Aquaporin 4, played an intricate role in language learning ability and the brain size.

The newly identified gene is found in human chromosome 18 and it produces membrane proteins responsible for the movement of water in the brain. The functionality of the water channel called astrocyte was relatively unknown besides its water circulation and waste regulation abilities. But in a comparative study of animals and humans, the team was able to discover the gene’s decisive influence on human language learning ability.

The researchers found that mice with generically reduced Aquaporin 4 gene inhibited its hippocampus from expanding and experienced a gradual decrease in their spatial memory. With this finding they comparatively studied people with low levels of Aquaporin 4 gene and discovered that they had relatively smaller parts of the brain associated with language learning abilities than people with higher levels.

“This study is significant in that it directly identifies the correlation between brain size and function. For the first time the study identifies the role of the astrocyte gene in cognitive function including language learning ability,” said Lee, the team leader.

Studies about the correlation between brain size and brain functionality have existed before the latest Aquaporin 4 gene discovery. For instance, studies such as Einstein’s brain being 15 percent larger than the average person’s brain and how juggling for 3 months can increase the brain area involved with visual activity have all alluded to its correlation. However, this is the first finding that directly links the astrocyte with the correlation between brain volume and its functionality.

By Alex Lee (alexlee@heraldcorp.com)