Population Genetics of Human Communication (PGHC)

Population Genetics of Human Communication (PGHC) research group

Human language is one of the most distinct and fascinating features of humankind. As a system of communication, language supports peer contact and interaction but also cognitive development, learning and knowledge transfer. The Population Genetics of Human Communication (PGHC) research group, led by Beate St Pourcain, aims to decipher the aetiological mechanisms shaping developing language and social skills during infancy to adolescence, as captured by common genetic variation. Utilising this knowledge, we seek to identify and characterise the trajectories that lead from mastering language and social abilities in early childhood to later-life mental health, wellbeing, educational and social outcomes. In particular, we develop statistical tools (GRM-SEM, grmsem r-package) to model structures of genomic and non-genomic factors in groups of unrelated individuals, utilising genetic information from large genotyping chips. Assuming shared dimensions of language and social development across the spectrum of mental health, our group also studies co-occurring features in autism, aiming to disentangle phenotypic heterogeneity, and investigates shared genetic links with neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric conditions. 

To find out more about our work, please look at our projects.

For information on co-creation of research with stakeholders, please visit our Neurodiversity and Mental Health focus group.

This research group is part of the Language and Genetics Department. The group is funded by the Max Planck Society, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) and the European Commission.