Chromosomal Disorders from Prehistoric Skeletal Remains

• 01 Mar 2024

Source: TH

Recently, the researchers have identified chromosomal disorders in prehistoric skeletal remains dating back approximately 5,500 years, shedding light on the presence of genetic conditions such as Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome in ancient populations.

• Individuals with chromosomal trisomy carry three copies of a chromosome, leading to conditions like Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18).
  • Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. It's the most common chromosomal anomaly in humans and can cause intellectual disabilities and health issues.
  • Edwards syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when a baby is born with three copies of chromosome 18 instead of two. It causes physical growth delays during fetal development.
• Some cases date back to ancient periods, including the Bronze Age (about 2,700 BCE) and the Neolithic period (about 3,500 BCE).
  • In early Iron Age Spain (800-400 BCE), three cases of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards syndrome were detected, suggesting a potentially higher frequency of trisomy carriers in those societies.

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