Ancient DNA Reveals 12,000-Year-Old Case of Rare Genetic Disorder

Researchers from Sapienza University of Rome and Liège University Hospital Centre analyzed ancient DNA from two prehistoric individuals, Romito 1 and Romito 2, found in a double burial at Grotta del Romito in Calabria, southern Italy. The genetic analysis identified variants associated with a rare inherited growth disorder, marking the earliest known genetic diagnosis in humans, dating back approximately 12,000 years. This diagnosis was made in a prehistoric adolescent, providing new insights into the health and genetics of ancient populations in the region. The findings highlight the potential of ancient DNA analysis to reveal medical conditions in prehistoric times.