Sunday, September 25, 2011

X-linked evidence of a Neandertal genetic contribution to non-africans

This study further confirms the results of the Green et al., (2010) draft of the Neandertal genome. They found an allelic variation of the dystrophin gene that is found exclusively in non-Africans and is shared with Neandertals. This supports the idea that Neandertals contributed to the H. sapiens nuclear genome. Furthermore, it supports a model of contribution that occurred after the first migration from Africa, but before successful colonization of the rest of the globe. The only exception to this finding is that the allele in question was also found in Massai populations. This is explained by a "back-to-Africa" migration hypothesis, but still makes me a bit concerned.

Access the full PDF HERE, and the news briefing HERE.

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