Published • loading... • Updated
Some People Carry a Neanderthal Growth Hormone Receptor That Is Linked to Greater Muscle Mass
The variant is linked to about 0.3 centimeters more height and 0.25 kilograms more muscle mass in more than 1.1 million adults, researchers said.
- Researchers identified a Neanderthal gene variant affecting growth hormone receptors in modern humans, published today in Current Biology. The inherited trait influences muscle mass and physical differences across populations.
- Evolutionary anthropologist Hugo Zeberg of the Karolinska Institute and Philipp Kanis of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology identified the variant, which entered modern human genomes through interbreeding around 47,000 years ago.
- Lab experiments showed cells with the Neanderthal receptor grew 40 percent larger than standard cells. Data from over 1.1 million adults indicated carriers possessed approximately 270 grams more lean muscle mass.
- The variant is most prevalent in South Asian and East Asian populations, where up to 24 percent of people carry it. Carriers also exhibit subtle craniofacial traits including shorter lower jaws and tooth roots.
- Researchers caution the variant is only one of many genetic factors affecting body shape. "It cannot explain the Neandertal body type on its own," said Zeberg, emphasizing it does not determine overall appearance.
Insights by Ground AI
16 Articles
16 Articles
Millions of people carry a Neanderthal gene that builds up additional muscles – scientists have now found out how it works.
We analyzed the effects of growth hormone receptor gene mutations inherited from Neanderthals on muscle mass and skeletal growth in modern humans. Through genomic data from 1.13 million people, we confirmed that carriers of the mutation have slightly taller height and more muscle mass, and also identified the association with physical characteristics such as jaw and tooth shape.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution58% Center
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources are Center
58% Center
L 17%
C 58%
R 25%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
