A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville (USA) has discovered an association between genes inherited from Neanderthals and clinical traits of modern humans that affect a wide range of sectors: the skin, the immune system, the brain and reproductive health.
We already knew that between 1% and 4% of our DNA (of modern humans) is of Neanderthal origin . Now, this research that has analyzed Neanderthal DNA in the genome of a sample of adults of European descent has advanced a little further in this genetic inheritance: Neanderthal DNA influences clinical traits of modern humans, subtle, but important at the same time .
To achieve this relationship, the researchers defined around 135,000 Neanderthal genetic variations present in modern humans and looked for their possible links to the health of 28,000 people of European descent. They found up to 12 clinical parameters related to Neanderthal inheritance , such as the risk of depression, myocardial infarction, blood disorders or nicotine addiction.
“ Our main finding is that Neanderthal DNA influences clinical traits in modern humans . We have discovered associations between this DNA and a wide range of immunological, dermatological (such as keratosis), neurological, psychiatric and reproductive characteristics ”, says John Capra, leader of the study.
According to the researchers, this phenotypic inheritance could also have provided us with advantages of adaptation to the environment 40,000 years ago as modern humans migrated to new areas, populated by unknown pathogens and different levels of sun exposure.
The study has been published in the journal Science .
