A new study has shown that the human prefrontal cortex develops much more slowly than a monkey’s, which may be the secret behind our exceptional cognitive abilities.
The human brain is one of nature’s most complex phenomena, providing skills not found in any other animal species. As part of a recent study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, scientists from Beijing Normal University and Changping Laboratory have taken a significant step toward understanding what makes the human brain unique.
Researchers compared the postnatal brain development processes of humans and macaques. Genetic and molecular analysis revealed that the human prefrontal cortex (PFC)—the part of the brain responsible for abstract thinking, decision-making, and social behavior—reaches maturity much more slowly than that of a monkey.
This “slowed-down” process allows the human brain to remain plastic for longer, which facilitates learning and the formation of complex cognitive functions.
Scientists utilized cutting-edge technology called spatial transcriptomics. They examined:
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Gene expression at the single-cell level.
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Chromatin accessibility (how “open” certain parts of DNA are within cells).
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The co-development dynamics of neurons and glial cells.
The study showed that in humans, so-called “glial progenitor cells” multiply much more actively, marking another significant distinction compared to the macaque brain.
This discovery is of immense importance for medicine. It has identified exactly which cells and genetic processes are responsible for brain development, helping us understand why mental and neurological disorders occur.
According to the study, there are specific “programs” in the human brain that prolong the maturation process. It is precisely this extended development that determines our high mental capabilities. By observing these processes, it becomes possible to determine the causes of conditions such as epilepsy and various neurodegenerative disorders. This knowledge opens doors to more effective treatments for these diseases in the future.
The creation of this type of database will allow scientists to develop new prevention and treatment strategies. This molecular “map” of human brain development will help medical professionals pinpoint exactly at what stage and in which cells disruptions occur during specific diseases.
