SRGAP2 paralog has been linked to human brain development

A human-specific paralog of SRGAP2 may have influenced human brain development. SRGAP2C is a duplication of SRGAP2 that encodes a shorter protein compared to SRGAP2; the SRGAP2C protein can bind to SRGAP and inhibit its function. This results in an increase of neuron migration and the production of more dendritic spines. For more on this story, see the-scientist.com/2012/05/07/doubled-gene-boosted-brain-power/.