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First multi-individual Neanderthal mitogenomes from north of the Carpathians
Andrea Picin1, Mateja Hajdinjak2, Wioletta Nowaczewska3
1Department of Chemistry G. Ciamician, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
Current Biology : CB
|April 21, 2026
Summary
Ancient Neanderthal teeth from Poland yielded eight new mitochondrial genomes, representing the oldest multi-individual Neanderthal genetic data in Central Europe. This finding highlights the region
Area of Science:
- Paleogenetics
- Paleoanthropology
- Archaeogenetics
Background:
- Neanderthal fossil and genetic records from Central-Eastern Europe are sparse.
- Stajnia Cave in Poland offers potential for new insights into European Neanderthal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically characterize Neanderthal remains from Stajnia Cave.
- To establish the age and geographic distribution of Neanderthal mitochondrial DNA lineages in Central-Eastern Europe.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution study of nine Neanderthal teeth.
- Morphological assessment, radiocarbon dating, and complete mitochondrial genome sequencing.
- Molecular branch shortening for age estimation.
Main Results:
- Eight new Neanderthal mitochondrial genomes were recovered, representing at least seven individuals.
- The Stajnia Cave assemblage is dated to marine isotopic stage 5 (approximately 119,700-92,498 years ago).
- Identical mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) found in three specimens suggests maternal relation.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the oldest multi-individual Neanderthal genetic assemblage from Central Europe.
- The identified mtDNA lineage was widespread across Europe before replacement by later Neanderthal types.
- Central-Eastern Europe is a key region for understanding Neanderthal geographic distribution and population dynamics.
Keywords:
Central EuropeMicoquianNeanderthalPleistoceneancient DNAmitochondrial DNAmitochondrial genomemolecular datingpaleogeneticradiocarbon datingMore Related Videos
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