Viking DNA Traces HIV-Resistant Gene Mutation to 9,000 Years Ago Near Black Sea

Quick Summary:

• A genetic variant, CCR5 delta 32, helps protect individuals from HIV infection by disabling the CCR5 protein that HIV uses to infiltrate immune cells.
• This mutation likely originated between 7,000 and 9,000 years ago near the Black Sea during the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural communities.
• The prevalence of this mutation increased significantly between 8,000 and 2,000 years ago in Eurasian populations.
• researchers used modern (2,504 genomes) and ancient (934 genomes) samples to pinpoint its origin and ancient spread.
• The study suggests people with this mutation had survival advantages due to improved resistance to new pathogens as human populations grew denser with agriculture-based lifestyles.
• Earlier assumptions that medieval plagues or Viking Age pressures drove its prevalence have been debunked by this research.

Image caption: Three-dimensional rendering of an HIV virus (Image credit: Getty Images).

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The study emphasizes how genetic mutations like CCR5 delta 32 confer evolutionary advantages during periods of human societal changes-such as the shift to agriculture-which increase interaction among populations and exposure to infectious diseases. For India-a diverse nation with a vast repository of genetic variations influenced by migrations-this research highlights the possibility for further exploration into regional genomic adaptations linked to disease resistance or survival under environmental pressures. Advances in genetics may also hold implications for public health strategies targeting prevalent diseases such as tuberculosis or malaria within the Indian context.

The findings underscore a broader principle: understanding ancient genetic traits can inform present-day biomedical advancements such as gene therapy applications aimed at combating complex conditions like HIV/AIDS.

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