You May Carry Neanderthal DNA. Scientists Found What It Does to You
Millions carry a Neanderthal gene that builds extra muscle—scientists just discovered how it works.
Recent research has uncovered how carrying a specific piece of Neanderthal DNA can influence an individual's muscle mass. Scientists have discovered that this particular Neanderthal gene variant enhances the body's response to growth hormone, leading to greater muscle development in adults who possess it. This genetic adaptation, inherited through interbreeding between modern humans and Neanderthals around 47,000 years ago, remains present in the genetic makeup of millions of people today.
The study, led by Philipp Kanis from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, reveals how laboratory experiments and population data align to demonstrate this relationship. When cells carrying the Neanderthal version of the gene receptor were exposed to growth hormone, they exhibited a 40% increase in growth compared to cells with the modern human receptor version. This stronger response was attributed to two specific amino acid changes unique to the Neanderthal receptor.
Further analysis of body measurements from over a million individuals showed that adults carrying the Neanderthal receptor had, on average, 270 grams more muscle mass than those who did not. This effect seemed to manifest during the puberty years, coinciding with a significant rise in growth hormone levels. Additionally, individuals with the Neanderthal gene variant showed subtle skeletal differences, such as a shorter rear section of the lower jaw and shorter tooth roots, traits more common in ancient Neanderthals.
While the discovery of this gene variant may pique interest in Neanderthal ancestry, experts caution that it is not a shortcut to gaining muscle mass. Hugo Zeberg, co-author of the study from the Karolinska Institutet, emphasized that even individuals with this gene variant would still need to engage in regular physical activity to achieve a gym-ready physique.
Co-author Miriam Berreiter, a CrossFit practitioner, echoed this sentiment, noting that the Neanderthal gene is merely an interesting biological link and not a substitute for training.
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