A new study suggests that genes inherited from interbreeding with an extinct human species, the Denisovans, have had a lasting impact on our mental health. Researchers found that a genetic adaptation involved in zinc regulation, inherited from the Denisovans, may have helped early humans adapt to colder climates but also predisposed them to depression and other mental disorders. This adaptation is widespread in modern human populations outside of Africa. The study highlights the complex relationship between genetics and mental health and calls for further research to understand the susceptibility to mental illnesses associated with these genes.
Modern humans interbred with Denisovans, an extinct human species, which resulted in a genetic adaptation for zinc regulation that helped humans adapt to cold climates. However, this adaptation may also predispose individuals to mental health disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The genetic variant observed, which affects zinc regulation, is widespread in non-African populations and is associated with a greater predisposition to psychiatric diseases. The variant is believed to have originated from interbreeding with Denisovans and has left a global mark, except in African populations. Further research is needed to understand the full implications of this genetic adaptation on mental health.
A study led by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Pompeu Fabra University has identified a widespread genetic contribution from the Denisovans, an extinct human species, to modern humans. The genetic variant observed affects zinc regulation and may have provided an evolutionary advantage in adapting to the cold. However, this adaptation may have also predisposed modern humans to neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The variant is found in populations worldwide, except in Africa, and is associated with a greater susceptibility to various mental illnesses. Further research is needed to understand the full implications of this genetic heritage on mental health.
Researchers have identified a genetic adaptation of modern humans that originated from interbreeding with the extinct Denisovans. This genetic variant, involved in zinc regulation and cellular metabolism, helped ancestral populations of Homo sapiens adapt to the cold. However, it may also have predisposed modern humans to psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. The variant is found in populations worldwide, except in Africa, and is associated with a greater predisposition to mental illnesses. Further research, including animal models, could provide insights into this predisposition.
