2019 study catalogs 571 genes separating modern humans from Neanderthals and other archaic hominins
Kuhlwilm and Boeckx, in a 2019 paper published via doi.org, identified 571 genes carrying non-synonymous changes at high frequency in present-day humans compared with archaic hominins such as Neanderthals. Molecular mechanisms involved in cell division stood out among these changes, along with networks affecting the cellular features of neurons. The authors proposed that some of these changes, together with non-coding variants they also present, may shape brain growth trajectory and cognitive traits. They recommended prioritizing the changes for experimental validation.
The findings are computational predictions from genome comparisons and have not been experimentally validated in cells or organisms.
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source cited and linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].