This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 677, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
Future Directions
FOXP2 is believed to play a crucial role in the development of language, and may have been an important gene during the evolution of human speech. These areas of knowledge require further research to elucidate the role of FOXP2 in language. Furthermore, the effect of FOXP2 in verbal dyspraxia requires further investigation.
Model Organisms and Homologs
It is crucial that more knowledge be obtained about the transcriptional targets of FOXP2. It is these genes that are likely to have concrete functional significance in the development of the areas of the human brain responsible for speech and language. The FOXP2 homolog in house mouse (Mus musculus) shows strong similarity to that in humans, suggesting a good starting point for investigating the transcriptional targets of FOXP2. It is necessary to carry out high-throughput analysis of transcriptional targets of FOXP2 in the mouse. By doing so, the core regulon of FOXP2 can be elucidated, making the mouse a better model for studying the development of language and language disorders.
The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a well characterized organism which also possesses a conspicuous trait, song, that FOXP2 has been linked to. The FOXP2 homolog in zebra finch shows remarkable similarity to FOXP2 in humans, making it an ideal model system for studying the evolution of language. I propose characterization of the core FOXP2 regulon, which will allow a better characterization of its role in the development of song. Through understanding the role of FOXP2 in the development of song in song-birds, we will be able to better understand the role of FOXP2 in the development of speech and language.
Protein
Post-translational modification of FOXP2 is poorly understood. It is likely however, that FOXP2 undergoes PTM at some level, as it has been shown to act as an activator and a repressor. Better characterization of the post-translational modification of FOXP2 will contribute to a better understanding of the the genes role in language. Furthermore, little is known about the interaction of FOXP2 with other proteins. Research in this area would greatly benefit our knowledge and understanding the role of FOXP2 in language development.
By understanding how FOXP2 has contributed to the evolution and development of human speech and language, we will be able to more accurately characterize the role of FOXP2 in verbal dyspraxia. Such findings could potentialy lend themselves towards the development of drugs for the treatment of the disorder. Little to no knowledge exists about the potential effects of small molecules on modulating FOXP2's function. I propose further chemical genetic research on FOXP2.
FOXP2 and other disorders
As seen on the Protein Networks page, FOXP2 interacts with NFATC2, a gene involved in Down's syndrome. It would be of great interest to understand how FOXP2 interacts with NFATC2 and how FOXP2 functions in individuals affected with Down's syndrome, as well as how NFATC2 functions in individuals with verbal dyspraxia. Moreover, it has believed that FOXP2 plays a role in autism; however, conflicting evidence exists regarding this claim. I propose further research into the function of FOXP2 in individuals affected with autism. By elucidating these questions, we will be better able to characterize the causal mechanisms of these disorders.
Model Organisms and Homologs
It is crucial that more knowledge be obtained about the transcriptional targets of FOXP2. It is these genes that are likely to have concrete functional significance in the development of the areas of the human brain responsible for speech and language. The FOXP2 homolog in house mouse (Mus musculus) shows strong similarity to that in humans, suggesting a good starting point for investigating the transcriptional targets of FOXP2. It is necessary to carry out high-throughput analysis of transcriptional targets of FOXP2 in the mouse. By doing so, the core regulon of FOXP2 can be elucidated, making the mouse a better model for studying the development of language and language disorders.
The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a well characterized organism which also possesses a conspicuous trait, song, that FOXP2 has been linked to. The FOXP2 homolog in zebra finch shows remarkable similarity to FOXP2 in humans, making it an ideal model system for studying the evolution of language. I propose characterization of the core FOXP2 regulon, which will allow a better characterization of its role in the development of song. Through understanding the role of FOXP2 in the development of song in song-birds, we will be able to better understand the role of FOXP2 in the development of speech and language.
Protein
Post-translational modification of FOXP2 is poorly understood. It is likely however, that FOXP2 undergoes PTM at some level, as it has been shown to act as an activator and a repressor. Better characterization of the post-translational modification of FOXP2 will contribute to a better understanding of the the genes role in language. Furthermore, little is known about the interaction of FOXP2 with other proteins. Research in this area would greatly benefit our knowledge and understanding the role of FOXP2 in language development.
By understanding how FOXP2 has contributed to the evolution and development of human speech and language, we will be able to more accurately characterize the role of FOXP2 in verbal dyspraxia. Such findings could potentialy lend themselves towards the development of drugs for the treatment of the disorder. Little to no knowledge exists about the potential effects of small molecules on modulating FOXP2's function. I propose further chemical genetic research on FOXP2.
FOXP2 and other disorders
As seen on the Protein Networks page, FOXP2 interacts with NFATC2, a gene involved in Down's syndrome. It would be of great interest to understand how FOXP2 interacts with NFATC2 and how FOXP2 functions in individuals affected with Down's syndrome, as well as how NFATC2 functions in individuals with verbal dyspraxia. Moreover, it has believed that FOXP2 plays a role in autism; however, conflicting evidence exists regarding this claim. I propose further research into the function of FOXP2 in individuals affected with autism. By elucidating these questions, we will be better able to characterize the causal mechanisms of these disorders.
