The interbreeding between modern humans and Denisovans in Asia introduced a genetic modification for managing zinc, which aided in the adaptation to colder environments, now prevalent among non-African lineages. However, this genetic modification might also make people more susceptible to various mental health conditions.
This study suggests that the genetic alteration related to zinc management could have been an evolutionary benefit for ancient humans adapting to colder climates.
About 60,000 years ago, as modern humans migrated out of Africa, they encountered Denisovans in Asia. This encounter led to genetic exchanges, evidence of which is still present in the human genome. Modern humans possess Denisovan genetic variations, a legacy of those early interactions.
A research team from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), associated with the Spanish National Research Council and Pompeu Fabra University, along with the Department of Medicine and Life Sciences at UPF, has identified a significant Denisovan genetic influence in contemporary humans. Under the guidance of Elena Bosch from IBE and Rubén Vicente from MELIS-UPF, the discovery was made that this genetic adaptation was crucial for the cold climate adaptation of our ancestral human populations.
The particular variant in question, which plays a role in zinc metabolism, may also contribute to a heightened risk for psychiatric issues like depression or schizophrenia.
The presence of this genetic variation, which assists in zinc management, might have offered an evolutionary edge.
The subject of how adaptation has influenced the genetic variety within human populations is a central interest in the field of evolutionary genetics.
Elena Bosch’s team pinpointed a variant in humans today that closely resembles part of the Denisovan genome, indicating adaptive change.
The genetic change, found in the SLC30A9 gene, is widespread in current human populations and likely originated from ancient interbreeding with Denisovans, as concluded by Ana Roca-Umbert, a lead researcher of the study. This variant is distinct from Neanderthal genes, which lack this mutation.
This gene variation was beneficial and was therefore naturally selected for in human populations, explains Jorge Garcia-Calleja, a fellow lead author.
The IBE’s Evolutionary Population Genetics Laboratory, led by Bosch, aimed to understand the cellular-level changes caused by this genetic variation from Denisovans. “We found that this mutation affects cellular zinc transport, which prompted us to collaborate with Vicente’s team,” Bosch recounts.
Zinc’s Crucial Role in Cold Adaptation
Rubén Vicente explains that the collaboration began when it was observed that there was a significant amino acid alteration in a zinc transporter between African and Asian populations, leading to further investigation.
Vicente’s team faced the challenge of studying intracellular zinc movement and found that the mutation affects zinc balance within the cell, possibly offering a metabolic advantage for surviving in harsh climates.
Denisovan Genetic Influence and Mental Health
Zinc transport has implications for nervous system functioning and overall mental health and stability.
The study associates the variation in the zinc transporter gene, which is present in all body tissues, with an increased risk of psychiatric conditions such as anorexia, ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia.
Looking ahead, Vicente points out the potential benefits of extending this research to animal models to better understand the link to mental health vulnerabilities.
Global Presence of the Genetic Variant
The genetic variant, originating from Denisovan and sapiens interbreeding in Asia, has since become widespread in Europe and the Americas, though it remains rare in African populations.
The research team notes that this particular Denisovan genetic adaptation might be one of the most geographically extensive discovered so far. Bosch highlights its global impact compared to other variants like the EPAS1 gene variant found only in Tibetans.
Reference: “Human genetic adaptation related to cellular zinc homeostasis” by Ana Roca-Umbert et al., published on 25 September 2023 in PLOS Genetics.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010950
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Denisovan genetic impact
How does Denisovan DNA influence modern human health?
Denisovan DNA, through interbreeding with ancient humans, has introduced a genetic variant involved in zinc regulation which may provide cold climate adaptation advantages but also predisposes modern humans to various psychiatric disorders.
What mental health disorders could be linked to Denisovan genetics?
The genetic variant from Denisovan heritage is associated with an increased risk for mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Where is the Denisovan genetic variant most prevalent?
The Denisovan genetic variant is widespread among non-African populations, particularly in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, indicating a global distribution resulting from ancient interbreeding events.
What was the evolutionary advantage of the Denisovan genetic variant?
The Denisovan genetic variant was likely advantageous for early human populations by aiding in the adaptation to cold climates through improved zinc regulation within the cell, which could have been crucial for survival in harsh environments.
Will further research be conducted on the Denisovan genetic impact?
Researchers plan to extend the study of the Denisovan genetic variant’s impact on mental health to animal models, which could provide deeper insights into the predisposition to mental illnesses related to this ancient DNA.
More about Denisovan genetic impact
- Genetic Adaptation and Mental Health
- Denisovan Heritage and Health Implications
- The Impact of Ancient DNA on Modern Medicine
- Psychiatric Disorders and Genetic Variants
- Human Evolution and Disease
4 comments
really interesting to see how ancient DNA is still affecting us, never thought depression could have such old roots!
Zinc and mental health, who would’ve guessed they’re connected like this? And all because of some ancient genes, amazing stuff.
i gotta say, its fascinating but also a bit scary? to think that our ancestors interbreeding with Denisovans has shaped how some people’s brains work today.
kinda makes you wonder what else is hiding in our DNA waiting to be discovered, genetics is full of surprises!