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Largest Denisovan DNA study reveals ancient genes still active in Oceanian populations

Modern human populations in Oceania carry approximately 4% to 6% of their genome from Denisovans. These archaic humans lived across Asia between 200,000 and 32,000 years ago. Research indicates that ancient genetic variants continue to function in the immune systems of some South Pacific residents.

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Additional genomic data specifies the percentage of Denisovan DNA present in Oceanian populations.

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  1. Denisovan DNA Influence in Oceanian Populations

    Modern human populations in Oceania carry approximately 4% to 6% of their genome from Denisovans. These archaic humans lived across Asia between 200,000 and 32,000 years ago. Research indicates that ancient genetic variants continue to function in the immune systems of some South Pacific residents.

    What's confirmed:

    • Denisovan admixture is most prominent in Oceania, where modern populations derive approximately 4% to 6% of their genome from this group.
    • Denisovans were an extinct species or subspecies of archaic human in Asia from approximately 200,000 to 32,000 years ago.
    • The Harbin cranium represents a Denisovan based on analysis of endogenous proteins and mitochondrial DNA.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Remains from six sites in China, including the 1 million year old Yunxian man, are related to the Homo longi lineage and genetically confirmed Denisovans.
    • Some Denisovan remains, such as Penghu 1 and the Xiahe mandible, belong to the species Homo juluensis.
    confidence 90%

  2. Denisovan DNA Still Active in Oceanian Immune Systems

    Yale University researchers created the largest map of Denisovan-inherited DNA in Near Oceanian populations. The study found thousands of ancient genetic variants that still function in modern immune systems. These genes help some people in the South Pacific region fight viruses.

    What's confirmed:

    • Yale University researchers developed the largest map of Denisovan-inherited DNA in Near Oceanian populations.
    • Ancient Denisovan DNA still influences the immune systems of modern Oceanians.
    • There are 3,127 Denisovan genetic variants that remain functional in the immune systems of some Oceanian populations.
    • Ancestors of Near Oceanians interbred with at least three different Denisovan groups.
    • Denisovan DNA still switches genes on and off in humans.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Researchers are not sure why Denisovan DNA influences the immune systems of modern Oceanians.
    • The MUC19 gene may have helped early Americans survive new diseases, foods, and environments.
    confidence 90%