# Characterizing modes of natural selection via diverse ancient and modern samples

> **NIH NIH R35** · BROWN UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $410,362

## Abstract

Project Summary
In the last thirteen years, analysis of ancient genomes suggests that population
admixtures are a dominant feature of human history. Admixture between populations
leads to genetic exchange between populations, and this provides an opportunity to
introduce new genetic variation much more rapidly than waiting for mutations to occur
naturally. Analysis of Neanderthal, Denisovan and ancient modern human genomes
suggests that admixture has occurred at different time scales in the past. We are only
beginning to understand how genetic variation that is introduced during an admixture
event has been evolving in the recipient populations. Evolutionary forces like
demographic history and natural selection will also affect the frequency distributions of
these mutations in recipient populations.
The goal of this research project is to develop statistical methods and computational
approaches that can be applied to admixed genomes to investigate how admixture
shapes patterns of genetic variation and how it facilitates adaptations. As admixed
genomes are mosaics of different ancestries, we can study genetic variation in these
genomes to gain insights into the histories of both recipient and donor populations. For
example, we can identify genetic variation that help recipient populations adapt to new
environments. We will also leverage genetic patterns of admixed genomes to
characterize how natural selection acted on genetic variation after very recent admixture
events. Finally, with our methods, we can also gain insight into the structure present in
the donor populations even if only a handful of genomes exists for these populations. In
summary, the methods and the empirical approaches proposed here will be useful to
elucidate how different contributions from a complex web of population interactions has
affected the evolution of our species.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10842900
- **Project number:** 2R35GM128946-06
- **Recipient organization:** BROWN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Emilia Huerta-Sanchez
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $410,362
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2018-09-19 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10842900

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10842900, Characterizing modes of natural selection via diverse ancient and modern samples (2R35GM128946-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10842900. Licensed CC0.

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