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Human evolution: genomic gifts from archaic hominins
Benjamin Vernot1, Joshua M Akey1
1Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, 3720 15th Ave NE, Box 355065, Seattle WA 98195-5065, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|September 24, 2014
Summary
Tibetans
Area of Science:
- Human evolution
- Genetics
- Physiology
Background:
- Human populations adapted to diverse environments during global dispersal.
- The EPAS1 gene is crucial for high-altitude adaptation in Tibetans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary origins of the high-altitude-adaptive EPAS1 haplotype in Tibetans.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetic data.
- Comparison with archaic hominin genomes.
Main Results:
- A specific EPAS1 gene haplotype found in Tibetans was identified.
- This haplotype was inherited from archaic hominin ancestors.
Conclusions:
- The EPAS1 gene adaptation for high-altitude living in Tibetans has ancient origins.
- Archaic hominins contributed to human adaptation through gene introgression.
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