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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
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Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences from two Denisovan individuals
Susanna Sawyer1, Gabriel Renaud1, Bence Viola2
1Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
Summary
Denisovans, ancient human relatives, are further understood through new fossil molars from Denisova Cave. DNA analysis reveals their distinctiveness and extended presence in the Altai Mountains region.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenetics
- Paleoanthropology
- Ancient DNA Studies
Background:
- Denisovans, a sister group to Neandertals, were initially identified from a finger bone in Denisova Cave.
- Previous Denisovan evidence was limited to one nuclear genome and one mtDNA sequence from two specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present new nuclear DNA sequences from a Denisovan molar (Denisova 4).
- To provide morphological and genetic data (mtDNA and nuclear DNA) for a newly discovered Denisovan molar (Denisova 8).
- To analyze the genetic diversity and temporal range of Denisovans in the Altai Mountains.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and sequencing of nuclear DNA from Denisovan molars (Denisova 4 and Denisova 8).
- Morphological analysis of the Denisovan molar (Denisova 8).
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA sequence comparison with known hominins.
Main Results:
- Nuclear DNA from Denisova 4 and Denisova 8 clusters with Denisova 3, confirming their Denisovan identity.
- Denisova 4 and Denisova 8 molars are morphologically distinct, large, and lack typical Neandertal/modern human traits.
- Denisova 8's mtDNA is less diverged, suggesting a longer Denisovan presence in the region.
- Nuclear DNA diversity among the three Denisovans is comparable to Neandertals but lower than modern humans.
Conclusions:
- The study expands the Denisovan fossil record with new molar specimens and genetic data.
- Denisovans inhabited the Altai Mountains over an extended period, exhibiting significant morphological and genetic variation.
- Comparative genomic analysis provides insights into Denisovan population structure and evolutionary history.
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