Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Rapid Detection of Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human Neural Precursor Cells NPCs
Published on: March 2, 2018
Hybrid Legacies: Evolutionary Consequences of Neandertal Introgression and Implications for Autism
Emily L Casanova1, Trenton W Holliday2,3
1Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
None:
Recent work has shown that a subset of Neandertal-derived single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) seems to be playing roles in autism susceptibility. We review this exciting research, as well as the known history of human migrations and interbreeding events between Homo sapiens and Neandertals, all while placing the current work within the context of hybrid dysgenesis and genetic incompatibilities. In addition to these "pushing" factors (purifying selection), we also explore potential "pulling" factors (positive selection), such as antagonistic pleiotropy and balanced polymorphism, which may influence the retention of otherwise weakly deleterious variants within the modern human genome. This work, along with other studies exploring associations between Neandertal-derived alleles and other neurodivergent conditions, has significant implications for human brain evolution as well as modern human health.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Incomplete Dominance
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Evolutionary Psychology
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Genetic Drift

