Current allele distribution of the human longevity gene APOE in Europe can mainly be explained by ancient admixture

Variation in apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been shown to have the strongest genetic effect on human longevity. The aim of this study was to unravel the evolutionary history of the three major APOE alleles in Europe by analysing ancient samples up to 12,000 years old. We detected significant allele frequency shifts between populations and over time. Our analyses indicated that selection led to large frequency differences between the earliest European populations (i.e., hunter-gatherers vs. first farmers), possibly due to changes in diet/lifestyle. In contrast, the allele distributions in populations from similar to 4000 BCE onward can mainly be explained by admixture, suggesting that it also played an important role in shaping current APOE variation. In any case, the resulting allele frequencies strongly influence the predisposition for longevity today, likely as a consequence of past adaptations and demographic processes.

Automated summary

By analyzing ancient samples up to 12,000 years old, this study revealed the evolutionary history of the three major APOE alleles in Europe. Significant allele frequency shifts were detected between populations and over time. The differences in allele distributions between early European populations (i.e., hunter-gatherers vs. first farmers) were likely influenced by changes in diet/lifestyle, while admixture played an important role in shaping current APOE variation from around 4000 BCE onwards.