Neanderthal DNA Linked to Autism Risk in New Study
Scientists found that genetic variants inherited from Neanderthals thousands of years ago may increase the risk of autism in people today. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, is the first to show this ancient genetic connection to autism.
A groundbreaking study has revealed that DNA we inherited from Neanderthals may play a role in autism risk. When early humans and Neanderthals had children together during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic age, small amounts of Neanderthal DNA remained in the modern human genome.
Dr. Emily Casanova, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Loyola University New Orleans, co-authored the research published in Molecular Psychiatry. The team found that certain Neanderthal genetic variants are more common in people with autism than in those without the condition.
This is the first study to demonstrate a clear link between ancient Neanderthal genes and autism susceptibility. The research suggests that hybridization between early humans and Neanderthals has had long-lasting effects on how our brains function today.
The findings could help scientists better understand the genetic factors that contribute to autism spectrum disorders. This knowledge may eventually lead to more targeted treatments and interventions for people with autism.
This discovery could help doctors better understand what causes autism and lead to improved treatments. It also shows how ancient human history still affects our health today in unexpected ways.
Researchers will likely conduct larger studies to confirm these findings and explore how Neanderthal genes specifically affect brain development.
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