Project name: Denisova Genome Project

Description: Using DNA extracted from a finger bone found in Denisova Cave in southern Siberia,we have sequenced the genome of an archaic hominin to about 1.9-fold genomiccoverage. This individual is from a population that shares a common origin withNeandertals but has a distinct history. This population contributed genes toMelanesians and may itself have received genes from another more archaic hominingroup. We also describe a molar tooth found in the Denisova cave. This tooth shares noderived morphological features with molars of Neandertals or modern humans. Themitochondrial genome from this tooth is highly similar to that of the finger bone. Wedesignate the group of hominins to which these individuals belonged Denisovans andsuggest that they may have been widespread in Asia during the late Pleistocene

Data type: Other

Sample scope: Monoisolate

Release date: 2010-12-22