ASPM

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asp (abnormal spindle) homolog, microcephaly associated (Drosophila)
Identifiers
Symbol	ASPM MCPH5
HUGO	19048
Entrez	259266
OMIM	605481
RefSeq	NM_018136
UniProt	Q8IZT6
Other data
Locus	Chr. 1 q31

ASPM is a human gene associated with autosomal recessive primary microcephaly. A new version of ASPM appeared about 5,800 years ago and has spread to half the world's population, especially Europe and West Asia.

"ASPM" is an acronym for "Abnormal Spindle-like, Microcephaly-associated", which reflects its being an ortholog to the Drosophila melanogaster "abnormal spindle" (asp) gene. ASPM is located on chromosome 1, band q31 (1q31).

The mouse gene, Aspm, is expressed in the primary sites of prenatal cerebral cortical neurogenesis. The difference between Aspm and ASPM is a single, large insertion coding for so-called IQ domains.^[1]

According to recent research regarding human evolution and cultural development, the most recent ASPM gene variation arose about 5,800 years ago, roughly correlating with the development of written language, spread of agriculture and development of cities. Currently, two variations of this gene exist: the older variation (pre-5,800 years ago) and the newer variation (post-5,800 years ago). About 10% of humans have two copies the "new" ASPM gene, while about 50% have two copies the "old" version. The other 40% of humans one copy of each. According to evolutionary theory, the rapid spread of a mutation (such as the new ASPM) through the population indicates that the mutation is somehow advantageous to the individual.^[2] As of today, there is no evidence to support the notion that the new ASPM gene increases intelligence, and some researchers dispute whether the spread of the gene even demonstrates selection. ^[3]^[4]