Neanderthal DNA may influence modern depression risk, study finds

NEW YORK — A new study says a person’s risk of becoming depressed or hooked on smoking may be influenced by DNA inherited from Neanderthals.

Researchers found evidence that one bit of Neanderthal DNA can boost the risk of tobacco addiction, while others can slightly raise or lower the risk of being diagnosed with depression.

Studying that DNA might help give insights into the biological roots of some diseases, said Tony Capra, an evolutionary geneticist at Vanderbilt University.

The DNA linked to depression or tobacco addiction affects risk, and doesn’t by itself produce those conditions.

Kenneth Kendler, a genetics expert at Virginia Commonwealth University who didn’t participate in the study, said he was skeptical that the effect on smoking addiction could be so strong, given previous studies of genetic influence on tobacco behavior.

The study also linked Neanderthal DNA to risk for some other modern-day conditions, such as scaly skin patches called actinic keratoses, urinary system symptoms and an unusually strong tendency toward blood clotting.