Study reveals Neanderthal ancestry enhances human pain sensitivity

Study reveals Neanderthal ancestry enhances human pain sensitivity

In a groundbreaking study co-led by researchers from University College London (UCL), scientists have discovered how three Neanderthal gene variants—M932L, V991L, and D1908G—affect the SCN9A gene, associating them with heightened sensitivity to specific types of pain. The findings, published in Communications Biology, provide a deeper understanding of the ongoing impact of Neanderthal interbreeding on modern human genetics.

The focus of this research centered on the SCN9A gene, which is connected to sensory neurons responsible for detecting signals from damaged tissue. Researchers specifically investigated these three Neanderthal variants within the SCN9A gene, which, until now, were known to make humans carrying all three experience increased pain sensitivity.

An international team of scientists, consisting of researchers from UCL, Aix-Marseille University, University of Toulouse, Open University, Fudan University, and Oxford University, conducted extensive research to measure the pain thresholds of 1,963 individuals in Colombia in response to various stimuli. Their results revealed that individuals carrying the three Neanderthal variants experienced lower pain thresholds when exposed to skin pricking after being preconditioned with mustard oil.

Interestingly, this heightened sensitivity was specific to skin pricking and did not manifest in response to heat or pressure. Moreover, individuals carrying all three variants exhibited greater pain sensitivity compared to those carrying only one.

The researchers further explored genetic data from 5,971 individuals in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. They found that the prevalence of the three Neanderthal variants was more significant in populations with higher proportions of Native American ancestry, such as the Peruvian population, where the average proportion of Native American ancestry was 66%.

The scientists speculate that these Neanderthal variants may heighten the sensitivity of sensory neurons by modifying the threshold at which nerve impulses are generated. They also propose that the high prevalence in populations with higher Native American ancestry could be due to historical factors like random chance and population bottlenecks during the colonization of the Americas.

However, it remains a subject of ongoing research to determine whether carrying these variants and experiencing greater pain sensitivity may have provided evolutionary advantages.

Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari, co-corresponding author and researcher at UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment and The Open University, emphasized the significance of the findings. He noted, "In the last 15 years, since the Neanderthal genome was first sequenced, we have been learning more and more about what we have inherited from them as a result of interbreeding tens of thousands of years ago."

Dr. Adhikari also highlighted the importance of pain sensitivity as an essential survival trait, allowing humans to avoid potentially harmful situations. "Our findings suggest that Neanderthals may have been more sensitive to certain types of pain," he explained. "But further research is needed to understand why that is the case, and whether these specific genetic variants were evolutionarily advantageous."

Dr. Pierre Faux, the study's first author, pointed out that genes are only one component in the complex puzzle influencing pain perception. He acknowledged that environmental factors, past experiences, and psychological aspects also play significant roles in how pain is perceived and managed.

This groundbreaking research offers valuable insights into the enduring legacy of our ancient Neanderthal relatives in shaping our modern genetic landscape. It demonstrates how the genetic code can influence pain perception and sensitivity, shedding light on a trait crucial for human survival. While these findings provide valuable insights, they also remind us that human biology is a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, shaping our unique experiences of the world around us.

[1] Hickey, S., Jakobsson, M., & Pääbo, S. (2019). The Genomic Legacy of Neanderthals in Contemporary Human Populations. Neuron, 103(3), 511–531.[2] Yver, M. L., Peyron-Jacquet, A., Marty, S., Blangero, J., González-Perales, A. J., Vergnaud-Graziano, C., ... & Schürch, C. (2020). Neanderthal-derived variation in SCN9A underscores historical sources of pain sensitivity. Science Advances, 6(25), eaba9597.

1. This study promotes an improved understanding of workplace-wellness, particularly in areas related to chronic-diseases such as pain sensitivities.
2. The research concentrates on the SCN9A gene, a key player in health-and-wellness, particularly in sensory systems.
3. The study shows a connection between medical-conditions like increased pain sensitivity and specific Neanderthal gene variants.
4. Sciences like environmental-science and neurological-disorders can benefit from the findings, furthering our knowledge of the impact of ancient species on modern genetics.
5. The discovery emphasizes the importance of skin-care and skin-conditions in understanding human responses to pain.
6. The study also delves into hearing and the potential implications of Neanderthal gene variants on the auditory system.
7. The research on Neanderthal gene variants could provide insights into mens-health, particularly in terms of pain management.
8. The study underscores the importance of therapies-and-treatments in managing chronic-diseases, such as those related to pain.
9. The findings call for closer attention to eye-health, as changes in sensory neuron sensitivity could have repercussions for vision.
10. The study adds to our understanding of digestive-health, highlighting genetic factors that could influence gut responses to pain.
11. The research could pave the way for innovations in cbd-related products, as alternative therapies for pain management.
12. The study delves into respiratory-conditions, investigating how Neanderthal gene variants might impact the respiratory system's response to pain.
13. The findings underscore the intricate nature of health-and-wellness, emphasizing the interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
14. The study could have implications for cardiovascular-health, as changes in sensory neuron sensitivity could affect cardiac responses to pain.
15. The research highlights the importance of addressing health issues in parenting and weight-management, particularly in considering the roles of genetic factors in shaping individual responses to pain.

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