The Neanderthal genome was first published in 2010, demonstrating that Neanderthals had interbred with modern humans. Soon after, genetic analysis of a finger bone from the Denisova cave in Siberia revealed a new hominin group: the Denisovans. This group, like Neanderthals, also interbred with humans.
"This was one of the most exciting discoveries in human evolution in the last decade," stated Dr. Linda Ongaro, a Postdoctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin's School of Genetics and Microbiology and lead author of a new review in 'Nature Genetics'.
"It's a common misconception that humans evolved suddenly and neatly from one common ancestor, but the more we learn the more we realise interbreeding with different hominins occurred and helped to shape the people we are today."
Unlike Neanderthals, Denisovan fossils are scarce, comprising a finger bone, jawbone, teeth, and skull fragments. However, by analyzing Denisovan genetic segments found in modern human DNA, researchers have identified at least three separate events where Denisovan genes were integrated into the human genome.
These events involved varying degrees of relatedness to the Altai Denisovan genome, indicating intricate relationships between different Denisovan groups and modern humans.
Dr. Ongaro, alongside Prof. Emilia Huerta-Sanchez, presents evidence that several Denisovan populations occupied an extensive range from Siberia to Southeast Asia and beyond, adapting to diverse environments. The review also highlights specific Denisovan genes that provided adaptive advantages to humans.
"Among these is a genetic locus linked to hypoxia tolerance, particularly observed in Tibetan populations; genes boosting immunity; and a gene influencing lipid metabolism, aiding in heat production in cold climates, beneficial for Inuit populations," said Dr. Ongaro.
Future research directions include deeper genetic studies of lesser-studied populations to identify hidden Denisovan ancestry and integrating archaeological findings with genetic data to create a fuller picture of Denisovan-human interaction.
Research Report:A history of multiple Denisovan introgression events in modern humans
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