Human Brain May Have Evolved From Two Ancient Nervous Systems

William Faulkner 2 months ago 4 min read The human brain may have originated from two ancient nervous systems that evolved separately before eventually becoming integrated into a single organ. New research examining embryonic development suggests that the front and back regions of the brain arise from distinct types of progenitor cells, challenging the idea that the entire brain shares one developmental origin. Two Different Origins Within the Developing Brain Researchers studying early mouse embryos found that the brain develops from two types of progenitor cells. These proliferative cells have a limited capacity for self-renewal and ultimately produce neurons belonging to different regions of the brain. One type expresses a gene called OTX2 and develops into neurons in the front portion of the brain, including the forebrain and midbrain. The second type expresses GBX2 and produces neurons in the hindbrain, located toward the back of the brain.

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