Method finds unknown hominin DNA in modern genomes without ancient reference sequences
A computational method called TRACE detects archaic ancestry in living human genomes without requiring ancient DNA sequences, according to a study published in Science. The approach, developed by researchers including Priya Moorjani, builds ancestral recombination graphs from contemporary sequences in the 1000 Genomes Project. The analysis reconstructed known patterns of Neanderthal and Denisovan introgression across global populations. It also revealed ghost archaic ancestry in regions previously considered Homo sapiens-specific, challenging that designation. Oceanian genomes showed enrichment of super-archaic segments in regions linked to MHC immune function and vitamin D metabolism, suggesting an additional, indirect introgression event.
The findings indicate that unidentified hominin lineages contributed DNA to modern humans beyond documented Neanderthal and Denisovan ancestors. Researchers still need to determine when and where these introgression events occurred and what functional role they played in human evolution.
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].