text: aspm gene, what is it?   aspm is a gene located on human chromosome 1, band q31 (1q31) which is associated with autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (smaller then average sized head). "aspm" is an acronym for "abnormal spindle-like, microcephaly-associated", according to researchers the aspm gene variation arose about 5,800 years ago, roughly correlating with the development of written language, spread of agriculture and development of cities.