Huns' Origins Traced to Mixed European and Asian Ancestry; CREB3 Gene Variant Linked to Slower ALS Progression

A new study indicates that the Huns, known for their role in the destruction of the Western Roman Empire, likely originated from a mixed population with European and Asian ancestors. Researchers compared DNA from skeletons found in the Huns' former territory in present-day Hungary and neighboring countries with that of various peoples from Europe and Asia. The analysis revealed that individuals buried in Hun-related graves often had mixed genetic origins, including both European and Central Asian ancestors. Some showed a direct link to members of the Xiongnu imperial elite. In other news, cross-species RNAseq integration has prioritized disease-vulnerable human neuronal populations. The study identified a specific gene network associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), highlighting CAMP Responsive Element Binding Protein 3 (CREB3) as a major regulator and protective factor. Rare variant analysis revealed that the CREB3 mutation is twice as frequent in controls than in ALS cases. The missense variant p.Arg119Gly (R119G) in CREB3 confers a 40% reduction in the risk of developing ALS. ALS patients carrying the rs11538707-G variant showed a slower rate of motor progression and increased mean disease duration.