Teeth Reveal Genetic Link to Extinct Relative

Why this is here: The researchers extracted proteins from teeth that were roughly 400,000 years old, enabling them to identify a shared genetic mutation between Homo erectus, Denisovans, and some modern people.

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences found a genetic connection between modern humans and Homo erectus. They developed a new method to extract proteins from fossilized teeth using a mild acid. This “microdestructive” process allowed analysis of teeth from six Homo erectus individuals who lived roughly 400,000 years ago in China.

The team identified two specific genetic mutations within the tooth proteins. One mutation, AMBN-M273V, also appears in the genome of the Denisovan people—another extinct human group known to have interbred with modern humans. This same mutation now exists in people today, particularly those with origins in Southeast Asia.

Scientists believe this shared mutation represents the first evidence of a genetic link between Homo erectus and modern humans. However, the researchers acknowledge that confirming this connection requires further study of additional fossils and genetic material. The work to understand human evolution continues.