By Emily Thompson • February 28, 2026 • Share
Modern humans began their migration out of Africa approximately 47,000 to 65,000 years ago, encountering Neanderthals in Eurasia. This momentous interaction was not just a fleeting encounter; it led to interbreeding, leaving a significant genetic legacy that is evident in contemporary populations today.
Remarkably, one in three European women carries a Neanderthal-derived variant of the progesterone receptor. This receptor plays a critical role in preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy and supporting early gestation. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it marks one of the most biologically significant traits inherited from our ancient relatives, the Neanderthals.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute and Karolinska Institutet have identified this variant, known as V660L. Interestingly, while this variant appears in several Neanderthal genomes, it is absent in Denisovans, another ancient human species. This absence adds another layer of intrigue to the story of human evolution and interbreeding.
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