Edward Habeck IV
Postgraduate Associate
Functional Gene Variants Observed in the Mitochondrial DNA of a Neanderthal Outgroup from Sima de los Huesos in Spain
The oldest hominin DNA sequenced to date is that of Neanderthals from Sima de los Huesos (“The Pit of Bones”) in Atapuerca, Spain. Though the skeletal morphology and nuclear DNA (nDNA) of this population aligns with Neanderthals, their maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) strongly reflects that of the geographically distant Denisovans, another lineage of archaic Homo sapiens.
Our primary goal for this project is to identify mtDNA variants to assess their influence over physiological traits. We have used mitochondrial genomes from other Neanderthals, Denisovans, and modern human haplogroups to compare the frequency of missense variants which directly impact the structure of translational products.
Uncovering functional variation within the Denisovan-like mitochondria of Neanderthals from Sima de los Huesos will provide insight into migratory patterns, gene flow, and the role of mtDNA in archaic human selection factors.
I’ve lived in Northern Vermont for most of my life, and I’m the oldest of six siblings. I love any activities that involve being outdoors, especially going on long walks and looking for mushrooms. I also enjoy solving Rubik’s Cubes, collecting stamps, and hanging out with my pet axolotl named Soap!
Timeline
2024
Working as a Postgraduate Associate on Ancient DNA at the Department of Genetics at Yale Medical School in New Haven (Connecticut)
2024
Working as a GIS Technician and a TA for several biology courses at St. Lawrence University in Canton (New York)
2023
Exploring ancient DNA extraction using dental calculus samples from Mesopotamian skeletal remains as a St. Lawrence University Summer Fellow
2019
Focusing on Antibiotic Resistance, Actinomycetes and Soil Microbiomes as a Biology Research Student at St. Lawrence University in Canton (New York)
2019
Doing my Bachelor of Science in Biology and Anthropology at St. Lawrence University in Canton (New York)