Evolution of Hominin Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism: From Africa to the New World

摘要: The metabolic conversion of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 18 carbon (18C) to long chain (>20 carbon) polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) is vital for human life. rate-limiting steps this process are catalyzed by acid desaturase (FADS) 1 2. Therefore, understanding the evolutionary history FADS genes essential our hominin evolution. have two haplogroups, ancestral derived, with derived haplogroup being associated more efficient LC-PUFA biosynthesis than haplogroup. In addition, there a complex global distribution these haplogroups that suggestive Neanderthal introgression. We confirm Native American ancestry nearly fixed haplogroup, replicate positive selection signal in Americans. This potentially continued after founding Americas, although simulations suggest timing dependent on allele frequency Beringian population. also find haplotype closely related Denisovan clusters closer Furthermore, has time most recent common ancestor 688,474 years before present. These results support an ancient polymorphism, as opposed introgression, forming region during Pleistocene possibly differential pressures both haplogroups. near fixation calls future studies explore potential health risk low levels populations.