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Human evolution: thrifty genes and the dairy queen.
1Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA. ggibson@ncsu.edu
Current Biology : CB
|April 18, 2007
Summary
New research on gene selection after agriculture reveals causes of lactose tolerance and diabetes. These findings challenge the widely accepted "thrifty genes" hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Human genetics
- Evolutionary biology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Pastoral agriculture led to significant dietary changes.
- Genetic adaptations in human populations are linked to these changes.
- The
- thrifty genes
- hypothesis suggests genes promoting fat storage evolved for survival but cause disease in modern environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genetic adaptations related to pastoral agriculture.
- To explain the prevalence of lactose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.
- To evaluate the validity of the
- thrifty genes
- hypothesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene sequences for evidence of positive selection.
- Comparison of genetic data across populations with different agricultural histories.
- Statistical modeling to assess the impact of selection on disease incidence.
Main Results:
- Identified specific genes under positive selection since the advent of pastoral agriculture.
- Demonstrated a link between these selected genes and the development of lactose tolerance.
- Found evidence connecting these genes to the incidence of diabetes.
- Observed that the identified genetic adaptations do not fully support the
- thrifty genes
- hypothesis.
Conclusions:
- Genetic adaptations to diet following agricultural innovation explain lactose tolerance and diabetes.
- The
- thrifty genes
- hypothesis may be an oversimplification of human metabolic adaptation.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between genes, diet, and disease.
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