Human's ancient gene might be related to Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis
Scientists have assembled a huge database of prehistoric DNA based on the teeth and bones of around 5000 humans. Those humans lived across Western Europe and in certain parts of Central Asia, 34,000 years ago till the medieval times, as per a report.
A thorough analysis of the distinctive and comprehensive pool of this prehistoric genetic information has revealed that the genes might have once been the protectors of the ancient hunter–gatherers or the shepherds of the Bronze Age from damaging pathogens. Further, the studies reveal that the genes may at present lead to a rise in the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases which include Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis in Europeans, CNN reported.
What is the history of the research ?
The aspiring five-year-old project has involved a team consisting of 175 international experts together, who compiled earlier known ancient genomes with newly sequenced DNA sourced from hundreds of skeletal samples derived from museums as well as other institutions across Europe. This data combined forms the largest prehistoric gene bank in the world as per the scientists who are involved in the project.
Further, the researchers were able to utilize the database to describe the spread of the diseases and the genes over some time as populations began migrating and crossbreeding. The studies made a revelation about how particular and considerable changes in the environment, for instance, the move from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle towards farming, has been favoring some genetic variants.
By making a comparison between the prehistoric DNA with modern-day specimens, the researchers have obtained a new biological comprehension of
