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Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Gene that differs between humans and Neanderthals could shed light on the species' disappearance, mouse study suggests
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A protein that helps synthesize DNA is different in modern humans than it is in Neanderthals and Denisovans — our closest extinct relatives — and new experiments in mice genetically modified to express the modern human version hint that this may have made us behave differently. That discovery, in turn, could shed light on why Neanderthals and Denisovans vanished, researchers propose in a new study. But the significance of the findings for humans is still unclear. "It's too early to translate these findings directly to humans, as the neural circuits of mice are vastly different," study lead author, Xiangchun Ju, a postdoctoral researcher at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan, said in a statement. However, this work hints that the variant seen in modern humans "might have given us some evolutionary advantage in particular tasks relative to ancestral humans," such as competing for scarce resources. Key protein Previous research found that modern humans diverged from their closest evolutionary relatives, Neanderthals and Denisovans, about 600,000 years ago. It's not clear why modern humans survived while our closest relatives died off. To search for potential genetic clues to solve this mystery, the researchers analyzed the enzyme ADSL (adenylosuccinate lyase). This protein helps synthesize purine, one of the fundamental building blocks of DNA and other vital molecules. Related: A braided stream, not a family tree: How new evidence upends our understanding of how humans evolved "There are a small number of enzymes that were affected by evolutionary changes in the ancestors of modern humans. ADSL is one of them," study co-author Svante Pääbo, Nobel laureate, leader of the human evolutionary genomics unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan, and director of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, said in a statement. ADSL is made up of a chain of 484 amino acids. The version of this enzyme found in virtually all modern humans differs from that seen in both Neanderthals and Denisovans by just one amino acid — the 429th amino acid in ADSL is valine in modern humans but alanine in our extinct relatives. The scientists noted the ADSL mutation is seen in modern humans and not our closest extinct relatives, and so likely appeared after we separated from the lineage that led to Neanderthals and Denisovans. This led the researchers to investigate the possible behavioral effects of this mutation. Previous research on lab-grown cells found that the ADSL variant seen in modern humans resulted in a more unstable version of the enzyme that broke down more quickly compared to the one in Neanderthals and Denisovans. Behavior changes The new study, published Aug. 4 in the journal PNAS, similarly found that, in mice, the modern variant leads to higher levels of the chemicals that ADSL normally acts on to synthesize purine in several organs, especially the brain. This finding supported the idea that the modern human version of ADSL is less active than the variant seen in Neanderthals and Denisovans. In experiments where mice learned they could get a drink of water following specific lights or sounds, female mice genetically modified to possess a version of ADSL similar to the kind seen in modern humans were better at getting water than their littermates without this variant were. This might suggest the human-like variant made female mice better at learning to connect the dots between the water and the lights or sounds, or more motivated to seek out the water in some way. The changes in behavior and ADSL levels seen in female mice with the modern-human variant of the enzyme was not seen in male mice. "It's unclear why only female mice seemed to gain a competitive advantage," study co-author Izumi Fukunaga, a researcher at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, said in a statement. "Behavior is complex." Statistical tests analyzing Neanderthal; Denisovan; and modern African, European and East Asian DNA found that mutations in the ASDL gene appeared in modern human genomes at higher rates than random variations over time would suggest, making it likely that these mutations provided some evolutionary advantage. Perhaps running counter to the new findings, prior work found that genetic disorders leading to ADSL deficiency in modern humans can lead to intellectual disability, speech and language impairment, and other problems. This suggests that during evolution, modern humans had to balance the potential benefits of reducing ADSL activity with the problems that could occur from ADSL deficiency, study co-author Shin-Yu Lee, also of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, said in a statement. Implications unclear Not everyone thinks the study has direct implications for why modern humans thrived or for why Neanderthals or Denisovans disappeared. These results in mice "don't say too much about human evolution at this stage," Mark Collard, a paleoanthropologist at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia who did not take part in this research, told Live Science. RELATED STORIES —What was the first human species? —2.6 million-year-old stone tools reveal ancient human relatives were 'forward planning' 600,000 years earlier than thought —'It makes no sense to say there was only one origin of Homo sapiens': How the evolutionary record of Asia is complicating what we know about our species However, the strategy of using mice to study the behavioral effects of genetic differences between modern humans and our closest extinct relatives "seems very promising as a way of investigating the evolution of our brain and behavior," Collard said. "I expect we'll see a cascade of studies like this one in the next few years." Future research can investigate the specific mechanisms by which changes in ADSL activity influence behavior. Scientists can also explore how changes in ADSL activity are associated with other behaviors and how multiple genetic changes might work in concert, the study authors wrote. Solve the daily Crossword
Mid East Info
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Shared vision for mobility, motorsport boosting UAE's trading partnership with Japan – Ben Sulayem - Middle East Business News and Information
FIA President says meeting with Japanese Prime Minister revealed approach which is a model for nations across the world Dubai, UAE, 26th June, 2025: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), says a shared vision for the future of mobility and motor sport is helping to reinforce the UAE's strong trading partnership with Japan. Ben Sulayem recently returned from an official visit to Japan where he met Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other leading officials, and was given deep insights the country's influence on global transportation and its status as a rising motorsport powerhouse. 'Throughout our discussions it became clear that Japan's approach is a model for nations across the world,' said the FIA President. 'From sustainable fuels to smart infrastructure, Japan continues to push boundaries in ways that align with the FIA's global mission.' Japan and the UAE continue to strengthen their trade partnership, with the UAE maintaining its position as Japan's top Gulf trade partner – accounting for 43.6% of Japan's total trade with Middle Eastern countries. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $49.6 billion, marking a steady 1.2% increase compared to 2023. Last year, Japanese exports to the UAE totalled $12.73 billion, vehicles and the automotive industry leading the way at $4.7 billion, a marked 10.9% year-on-year growth fuelled by strong demand for SUVs, sedans, and hybrid vehicles[1]. 'This collaboration is not just about trade, it is about a shared vision for our global future,' said Ben Sulayem. 'Prime Minister Ishiba's leadership in promoting sustainable and innovative mobility solutions is setting a powerful precedent, ensuring that Japan remains at the forefront of advancements in transportation, investing annually over $38 billion in mobility infrastructure[2]. 'His dedication to fostering innovation is equally clear in Japan's motorsport industry. A surge in fan engagement and a growing pipeline of talented drivers, Japan is rapidly solidifying its status as a global motorsport hub.' Japan produces around 8.23 million vehicles annually[3], but is not just a country that builds cars – it is a nation that defines how the world moves. 'With groundbreaking developments in sustainable mobility, artificial intelligence, and a community-first approach, Japan is shaping the future of transportation,' said Ben Sulayem. 'The nation's innovation verges at times on what could feel like science fiction – magnetic levitation cars developed by researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology eliminate the need for traditional engines and batteries, promising higher energy efficiency and a broad sustainable impact[4]. ' The FIA President says Japan's passion for motorsport is contributing to a growing sporting scene and a stronger impact globally, as the country continues to set a high standard, from grassroots to its F1 Japanese Grand Prix which draws record crowds year on year. Says Ben Sulayem: 'Japan is more than just a hub for mobility and motorsport. It is a symbol of what is possible when passion meets progress. The FIA will continue to champion innovation, sustainability, and accessibility, working alongside Japan to shape the next chapter in global mobility and motorsport.' -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. [1] All statistics provided by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) [2] [3] [4]
