By Clara Evans • 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.
The progesterone receptor plays a crucial role in preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy and supporting early gestation. This makes it 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. The differences between these ancient cousins can be seen in the genetic codes they left behind.
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