Protein in Homo erectus teeth suggests Denisovans gave us some of their DNA
Summary
Scientists studied ancient proteins from Homo erectus teeth found in China, dating back about 400,000 years, to learn more about early human ancestry. They found evidence that Denisovans, an ancient human species, had DNA from Homo erectus, and this DNA is present in some modern humans today.Key Facts
- Homo erectus was a human species that lived over a million years ago and spread across Eurasia.
- DNA breaks down quickly over time, so scientists studied old proteins instead, which last longer in teeth and bones.
- Researchers collected tiny samples from five Homo erectus teeth and one Denisovan tooth.
- They identified fragments of a protein called ameloblastin with unique changes in Homo erectus not seen in modern humans.
- One protein variation found in Homo erectus was also found in the DNA of the Denisovan from Harbin.
- This same variation appears in modern humans, especially in populations in India and the Philippines.
- The findings suggest that Denisovans inherited DNA from Homo erectus and passed some of it on to people alive today.
- The two protein changes found are located close together in the genome, making it likely they are inherited together.
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