Buried Treasure? Overlooked and Newly Discovered Evolutionary Contributions to Human Brain Diseases
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Authors
Diederich, Nico J.
Brüne, Martin
Allen, John S.
Bender, Nicole
Bruner, Emiliano
Changeux, Jean-Pierre
Cali, Corrado
Dolgova, Olga
Grünewald, Anne
Konopka, Geneviève
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Issue Date
01/12/2025
Type
Journal article
Language
Keywords
Specialist and Integrated
Alternative Title
Abstract
Clinical neuroscience focuses on the mechanisms of brain function, but this approach falls short of insights into how the central nervous system (CNS) evolved, both in health and disease. Here, we discuss evolutionary concepts relevant to understanding human brain diseases, on the genetic, subcellular, cellular, connectomic, behavioral, and cultural levels. By revisiting common neurological diseases, we discuss evolved residues from our ancestors, mechanisms of exaptation, antagonistic pleiotropy, and human longevity with the consequent outpacing of biological evolution by cultural evolution. An evolution-based conceptual framework can propel transdisciplinary research targeting the constraints imposed by and compensatory adaptations involved in human-specific neurological diseases.
Description
Citation
Ann Neurol, 98: 1178-1195. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.78030
Publisher
License
Journal
Annals of Neurology
Volume
98
Issue
6