The Origins of Complex Behaviours: Genes for Learning, Memory, and More Traced Back 650 Million Years

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature Communications has shed light on the origins of genes responsible for complex behaviours such as learning, memory, and aggression. According to the research, these crucial genetic components first emerged approximately 650 million years ago.

Scientists have long understood the role of monoamines, such as serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline, as neurotransmitters in the nervous system. These chemical compounds play a crucial role in various complex behaviours and functions, including learning and memory, as well as essential processes like sleep and feeding.Despite this knowledge, the precise origins of the genes responsible for the production, detection, and degradation of these monoamines remained elusive. However, a team of researchers from the University of Leicester in the UK has made significant progress in unravelling this mystery.

Using sophisticated computational methods, the scientists reconstructed the evolutionary history of these essential genes. The study revealed that the majority of genes associated with monoamine production, modulation, and reception originated in the bilaterian stem group.

Bilaterians are a group of animals that exhibit bilateral symmetry during their embryonic development. This means that they possess a left and right side that are mirror images of each other, a characteristic shared by many animals, including humans.

The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the ancient origins of genes linked to critical behavioural and neurological functions. Understanding the evolutionary history of these genes can offer valuable clues about the development and complexity of behaviour in diverse species.

One of the lead researchers, Roberto Feuda from the University of Leicester, emphasized the significance of their computational approach in deciphering the genetic timeline. By reconstructing the evolutionary history of these genes, the team shed light on their ancient origins and shed new light on the early stages of complex behaviours.The study’s findings have far-reaching implications for our understanding of brain function and behaviour across the animal kingdom. These genes play a vital role in shaping how organisms learn, remember, and respond to stimuli. The research not only illuminates the genetic basis of complex behaviours but also underscores the deep connections between different species on our planet.

Furthermore, this knowledge may have implications for human health and medicine. Studying the evolutionary origins of these genes could potentially provide valuable insights into neurological disorders and cognitive functions in humans. By understanding how these genetic components evolved over millions of years, researchers may uncover critical information about human brain development and functioning.The study’s focus on the bilaterian stem group also highlights the importance of understanding the early evolutionary stages of animal life. Many of the fundamental genetic mechanisms and processes that govern complex behaviours were likely established in ancient ancestors shared by a diverse array of creatures.

As science advances and computational methods become more sophisticated, we can expect even greater discoveries about the genetic underpinnings of complex behaviours. Discovering the mysteries of our evolutionary past opens up new frontiers in understanding the intricacies of life and the remarkable diversity of behaviours exhibited by living organisms.

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh , 19 July 2023