Scientists have found out whether our ancestors had genes for multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia
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Scientists have discovered a key moment in human history associated with the genetic risk of developing multiple sclerosis, diabetes, schizophrenia and other diseases.
They published their findings in the journal Nature, writes The New York Times.
Scientists have determined that around 5,000 years ago, European DNA began to reveal the genetic signatures of a group of Yamna herders who lived in the steppes stretching from Ukraine to Kazakhstan.
They found genetic mutations in the nomads and suggested that these people were predisposed to a rapid immune response. They added information on Western European hunter-gatherers and Middle Eastern farmers to their analysis.
| Photo: zentilia/Depositphotos |
Scientists compared the genetic material of the remains and those of currently living people. In this way, they tracked the most significant population migrations around the world.
Scientists obtained an array of genetic data from the UK Biobank, which collects DNA information from more than 433,000 people born in Great Britain.
One analysis found that hunter-gatherers from Western Europe had many gene variants that increase the risk of high cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as diabetes.
Another analysis found that ancient Near Eastern farmers had many genes associated with anxiety and other mood disorders. But this does not mean that ancient people suffered from these diseases.
For example, in today’s world, diabetes is caused by cheap, sugar-laden foods that make up the majority of a person’s diet. In previous centuries, high-risk genes for diabetes may not have had the prerequisites for causing the disease.
Study leader and geneticist Eske Willerslev from the University of Copenhagen and his colleagues found that in some cases these genetic variants gave ancient peoples a survival advantage.
Variants that increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis were the most common among Yamnaya. Studies have shown that with such a genetic set, the immune system better resists viruses and bacteria.
Interestingly, some skeletons contained DNA not only of humans, but also of pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Many of these pathogens were not found in hunter-gatherers or even early farmers in Europe. But Yamnaya’s remains contained the genetic signatures of a number of pathogens, including the causative agents of the plague.
At the same time, Yamna was more vulnerable to animal diseases than their predecessors. Since these people depended on animals, they were in constant contact with their herds for meat and milk.
Multiple sclerosis expert Dr. Lars Fugger from the University of Oxford suggests that in today’s environment, people face fewer infectious diseases than in past centuries. Therefore, a strong immune system often fails by attacking its own body.
Currently, the only effective treatment for multiple sclerosis is drugs that suppress the immune system. However, he believes that this mechanism should be thoroughly investigated and “calibrated”.
Read also: The human brain processes traumatic memories as present experiences – research
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