Story perspectives
Neandertal Genes Linked to Viking Disease, Study Finds
10/15/2025
30 7
1 of 1
Story summary
- New research links Dupuytren’s disease to Neandertal genes, led by Hugo Zeberg of Karolinska Institutet.
- The study analyzed 7,871 cases and 645,880 controls, identifying 61 genetic variants, three Neandertal in origin.
- Dupuytren’s is more common among northern European descent, often called Viking disease.
- Future research aims to identify additional genetic modifiers to improve prevention and treatment strategies.
