Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
121(26)
Published: June 18, 2024
Neandertals
and
Denisovans,
having
inhabited
distinct
regions
in
Eurasia
possibly
Oceania
for
over
200,000
y,
experienced
ample
time
to
adapt
diverse
environmental
challenges
these
presented.
Among
present-day
human
populations,
Papua
New
Guineans
(PNG)
stand
out
as
one
of
the
few
carrying
substantial
amounts
both
Neandertal
Denisovan
DNA,
a
result
past
admixture
events
with
archaic
groups.
This
study
investigates
distribution
introgressed
DNA
within
two
PNG
residing
highlands
Mt
Wilhelm
lowlands
Daru
Island.
These
locations
exhibit
unique
features,
some
which
may
parallel
that
humans
once
confronted
adapted
to.
Our
results
show
highlanders
carry
higher
levels
compared
lowlanders.
Denisovan-like
haplotypes
frequencies
highlander
those
exhibiting
greatest
frequency
difference
lowlander
populations
also
demonstrate
more
pronounced
differences
population
than
frequency-matched
nonarchaic
variants.
Two
five
most
highly
differentiated
reside
genomic
areas
linked
brain
development
genes.
Conversely,
frequent
lowlanders
overlap
genes
associated
immune
response
processes.
findings
suggest
has
provided
genetic
variation
biology
genomes,
might
have
facilitated
adaptive
processes
challenges.
Science Advances,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
11(13)
Published: March 26, 2025
We
determined
the
roles
of
two
coevolved
and
coexpressed
human-specific
genes,
NBPF14
NOTCH2NLB
,
on
abundance
cortical
progenitors
that
underlie
evolutionary
expansion
neocortex,
seat
higher
cognitive
abilities
in
humans.
Using
automated
microinjection
into
apical
(APs)
embryonic
mouse
neocortex
electroporation
APs
chimpanzee
cerebral
organoids,
we
show
promotes
delamination
AP
progeny,
by
promoting
oblique
cleavage
plane
orientation
during
division,
leading
to
increased
key
basal
progenitor
type,
radial
glia.
In
contrast,
proliferation,
pool.
When
expressed
together,
exert
coordinated
effects,
resulting
while
maintaining
self-renewal
APs.
Hence,
these
genes
orchestrate
behavior
APs,
lineages
their
a
manner
essential
for
human
neocortex.
Trends in Neurosciences,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: March 1, 2025
The
human
brain
is
characterized
by
impressive
cognitive
abilities.
neocortex
the
seat
of
higher
cognition,
and
expansion
a
hallmark
evolution.
While
developmental
programs
are
similar
in
different
species,
timing
transitions
capacity
neural
progenitor
cells
(NPCs)
to
proliferate
differ,
contributing
increased
production
neurons
during
cortical
development.
Here,
we
review
epigenetic
regulation
corticogenesis,
focusing
mostly
on
humans
while
building
knowledge
from
studies
mice.
We
discuss
metabolic-epigenetic
interplay
as
potential
mechanism
integrate
extracellular
signals
into
chromatin.
Moreover,
synthesize
current
understanding
how
metabolic
deregulation
can
cause
neurodevelopmental
disorders.
Finally,
outline
be
investigated
using
organoid
models.
Oxford University Press eBooks,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 209 - 226
Published: May 22, 2025
Abstract
Palaeogenomics
is
revolutionizing
our
understanding
of
human
evolution.
Recent
efforts
to
compare
the
genomes
species
that
Neanderthals
and
Denisovans
have
revealed
only
a
small
set
proteins
distinguish
us
from
closest
relatives,
while
regulatory
variants
are
expected
be
orders
magnitude
more
numerous.
Mapping
genetic
mutations
phenotypic
effects
require
dedicated
bioinformatic
experimental
approaches
catalogue,
interpret,
prioritize
variants,
as
well
functionally
dissect
their
impact.
These
interdisciplinary
strategies
particularly
insightful
in
light
emerging
views
on
complex
mosaic
evolutionary
history
species.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
121(26)
Published: June 18, 2024
Neandertals
and
Denisovans,
having
inhabited
distinct
regions
in
Eurasia
possibly
Oceania
for
over
200,000
y,
experienced
ample
time
to
adapt
diverse
environmental
challenges
these
presented.
Among
present-day
human
populations,
Papua
New
Guineans
(PNG)
stand
out
as
one
of
the
few
carrying
substantial
amounts
both
Neandertal
Denisovan
DNA,
a
result
past
admixture
events
with
archaic
groups.
This
study
investigates
distribution
introgressed
DNA
within
two
PNG
residing
highlands
Mt
Wilhelm
lowlands
Daru
Island.
These
locations
exhibit
unique
features,
some
which
may
parallel
that
humans
once
confronted
adapted
to.
Our
results
show
highlanders
carry
higher
levels
compared
lowlanders.
Denisovan-like
haplotypes
frequencies
highlander
those
exhibiting
greatest
frequency
difference
lowlander
populations
also
demonstrate
more
pronounced
differences
population
than
frequency-matched
nonarchaic
variants.
Two
five
most
highly
differentiated
reside
genomic
areas
linked
brain
development
genes.
Conversely,
frequent
lowlanders
overlap
genes
associated
immune
response
processes.
findings
suggest
has
provided
genetic
variation
biology
genomes,
might
have
facilitated
adaptive
processes
challenges.
