Comment on Human TKTL1 implies greater neurogenesis in frontal neocortex of modern humans than Neanderthals

Pinson et al. (1) concluded that the modern human TKTL1 gene is responsible for an increased number of cortical neurons. We show that the putative Neanderthal variant of TKTL1 is present in modern human backgrounds. We dispute their argument that this genetic variant is responsible for brain differences in modern humans as opposed to Neanderthals.

Automated summary

Pinson et al. (1) concluded that the modern human TKTL1 gene is linked to an increased number of cortical neurons. We find that the putative Neanderthal variant of TKTL1 is present in modern human populations. We dispute their argument that this genetic variant is responsible for brain differences between modern humans and Neanderthals.