In a recent study,
researchers found that before the ice age a gene that reduces height and
increases the risk of osteoarthritis was favorable for survival. As humans
migrated north towards colder climates the mutation may have helped the early
humans retain warmth and avoid frostbite due to their shorter size. This gene
may also have helped humans to avoid bone fractures when they fell on ice. This
may come as a surprise due to the fact that today this gene would be seen as
detrimental and puts an individual at a higher risk for developing arthritis.
Scientist looked into the GDF5 gene, which is known to be involved in skeletal
growth. They found a mutation in a single nucleotide, in an area named GROW1
and noticed its prevalence in Europeans and Asians, but not Africans. The
researchers then tested the gene in mice and found that it shortened their bone
length, similar to what was found in humans. The paradoxical effect of this
gene is similar to that of sickle cell anemia and it's protection from malaria.
I believe this shows just how complex the human genome is and how different
genes play a role in human survival. It is possible that having a detrimental
gene could be the key to our survival.
It is so interesting how environment can impact genes. I guess it would make sense that the osteoarthritis gene could have been useful when humans lived in colder climate, its just a shame that it persists today.
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