Neanderthal Genes Still Impacting Modern Humans, New Research Finds

Recent scientific research conducted by a multi-institutional team led by Cornell University has shed light on the enduring impact of Neanderthal genes on modern humans. The study, utilizing advanced computational genetic tools, focused on individuals of non-African descent, particularly those of European ancestry, whose ancestors interbred with Neanderthals approximately 50,000 years ago.

 

Published in eLife, the study revealed that while Neanderthal genes comprise only 1 to 4 percent of the genome in modern humans with out-of-Africa ancestry, they continue to play a significant role in shaping certain traits.

 

The research highlights the influence of Neanderthal genetic contributions, particularly concerning the immune system. However, the study also indicates that modern human genes have gradually become dominant over successive generations.

 

April (Xinzhu) Wei, co-lead author of the study and assistant professor of computational biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, noted, "Interestingly, we found that several of the identified genes involved in modern human immune, metabolic, and developmental systems might have influenced human evolution after the ancestors' migration out of Africa."

 

Wei further emphasized the team's commitment to sharing their research tools, making their custom software freely available for download and further exploration.

 

Drawing from a vast dataset provided by the UK Biobank, which included genetic and trait information from nearly 300,000 individuals of non-African ancestry in the United Kingdom, the researchers meticulously analyzed over 235,000 genetic variants that likely originated from Neanderthals.

 

Among these variants, 4,303 were identified as playing a substantial role in modern human biology, impacting 47 distinct genetic traits. These traits encompassed diverse characteristics, such as metabolic rates and natural immune resistance to certain diseases.

 

Significantly, this study employed improved statistical methods to isolate Neanderthal genetic variants from the broader spectrum of modern human genes, setting it apart from previous research. The refined approach ensures greater accuracy in assessing the influence of Neanderthal genes on modern human traits.

 

The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the complex interactions between Neanderthals and early humans, emphasizing the lasting genetic legacy left by our extinct relatives. By unraveling the specific traits influenced by Neanderthal genes, scientists gain valuable insights into the evolutionary journey of our species.

 

As our knowledge of Neanderthal genetics expands, future research will delve further into the functional implications of these genetic contributions. The ongoing exploration of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans holds the potential to illuminate the mechanisms that have shaped our biology and continue to impact our health and well-being today.

 

The Cornell University-led study underscores the significance of Neanderthal genetic influence on modern humans and serves as a springboard for further investigation into the intricate connections between our species and our ancient relatives.

 

By unraveling the genetic tapestry that connects us to our past, researchers strive to deepen our understanding of human evolution and the rich mosaic of diversity that characterizes our species.

 

 

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