Evolutionary adaptation highlights the interconnection of fatty acids, sunlight, inflammation and epithelial adhesion

Abstract

Gene variants that influence human biology today reflect thousands of years of evolution. Genetic effects on infant health are a major point of selective pressure, given that childhood survival is essential to evolutionary success. Knowledge of this evolutionary history can have implications for paediatric research. CONCLUSION: An episode of human adaptation to the extremely low ultraviolet radiation environment of the Arctic 20,000 years ago implicates the Ectodysplasin A Receptor (EDAR) and the Fatty Acid Desaturases (FADS) in human lactation and epithelial inflammation.