Question

In your post, discuss ONE Neanderthal or Denisovan gene that is currently found within our species. Tell us about the gene and its function. Explain what it does for us. (Make sure you give a citation.) Explain in your own words any possible advantages that your Neanderthal or Denisovan gene might have. Make sure you give in informed opinion that is grounded in your research. Caution: Make sure that your chosen genetic variant is not simply a result of common ancestry. For example: FOXP2 is a gene that Neanderthals and Sapiens share because of common ancestry. Verify that the genetic variant that you are looking at is actually derived from Neanderthals, Denisovans or another species. You will have to respond to two other student posts. Make sure you cite your work.

Answer 1

It has been shown that many microRNAs (miRNAs) were differentially expressed in Neanderthal and Denisovan genomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) genes encode for RNA regulatory sequences capable of modulating gene expression patterns, thereby they play critical roles in evolution and development. It has been proposed that these miRNAs might control the expression of TRAPPC9, GRID1, PRDM16, NAV2, SorCS2, CAMTA1, and ASIC genes, which are involved in neurocognitive developmental functions.

You can read this publication about this important issue:

Cserhati et al. (2018). Motifome comparison between modern human, Neanderthal and Denisovan. BMC genomics, 19(1), 472.