A new study has shown that the Inuit population of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is genetically different from any known people, and some of their genes are associated with the development of cerebral aneurysms.
Geographically isolated populations often have unique genetic traits that result from their successful adaptation to their environment. Unfortunately, these adaptations sometimes predispose to certain health problems if the environment changes. The genetic background of these populations is largely poorly understood, since such peoples live far from research centers.
It is known that the inhabitants of the North, due to their lifestyle and genetics, as a rule, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In particular, they often develop aneurysm - a protrusion of the wall - of the vessels of the brain. To find out the genetic causes of predisposition to such diseases, scientists from McGill University analyzed the genome of one of these peoples - the Inuit, who live in the northern part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Using exome sequencing and genotyping of the entire genome, the researchers discovered several interesting traits that are unique to Inuit. It turned out that they have very good fat metabolism and adhesion between cells. This may be due to adaptation to a very fatty diet and extreme cold weather in the Canadian North.
One of these unique genetic variants correlates with a higher risk of a brain aneurysm, also known as an intracranial aneurysm, a weakening in the wall of a cerebral artery that causes it to bulge. In severe cases, the wall of an artery can rupture, causing a potentially fatal condition known as cerebral hemorrhage.
Non-European populations, especially isolated peoples in remote areas of the world, are underrepresented or not represented at all in genetic research. Understanding the genome of such peoples, in particular isolated populations with unique genetic backgrounds, such as the Inuit, will enable the provision of medical treatments tailored to them.
Nikita Shevtsov