A recent study has revealed that individuals carrying a Neanderthal version of the growth hormone receptor possess, on average, 271 additional grams of muscle compared to those without this variant. The research, which combined laboratory experiments with population data from over one million individuals, suggests that certain genetic traits from Neanderthals may still influence modern human physiology.
The growth hormone receptor is a crucial cell protein that regulates growth throughout the body. Researchers discovered that when comparing the genomes of modern humans and Neanderthals, distinct genetic modifications were present in the Neanderthal version of the receptor. In controlled lab settings, the Neanderthal receptor exhibited heightened growth activity, aligning with the robust physique characteristic of Neanderthals. This finding implies that the effects of this ancient variant have persisted in some contemporary human populations.
Notably, the Neanderthal growth hormone receptor variant is relatively common among today’s population. Most individuals have between one and two percent Neanderthal DNA, a result of interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals. The variant is particularly prevalent in South and East Asian populations, with some regions in South Asia exhibiting frequencies as high as 24 percent.
This study stands out for its unique alignment between laboratory findings and population data, a rarity in genetic research. The integration of these two data sets provides a clearer understanding of how ancient genetic traits may manifest in modern humans. Researchers continue to explore the extent of Neanderthal influence on contemporary biology, with muscle mass now identified as a potential area of impact, alongside more documented effects on the immune system.
The findings underscore the complexities of human evolution and the lasting legacy of Neanderthal ancestry in shaping certain aspects of modern human physiology.
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