G-quadruplex propensity in , and Denisovans mitochondrial genomes.

Current methods of processing archaeological samples combined with advances in sequencing methods lead to disclosure of a large part of and Denisovans genetic information. It is hardly surprising that the genome variability between modern humans, Denisovans and is relatively limited. Genomic studies may provide insight on the metabolism of extinct human species or lineages. Detailed analysis of G-quadruplex sequences in and Denisovans mitochondrial DNA showed us interesting features. Relatively similar patterns in mitochondrial DNA are found compared to modern humans, with one notable exception for . An interesting difference between and corresponds to a motif found in the D-loop region of mtDNA, which is responsible for mitochondrial DNA replication. This area is directly responsible for the number of mitochondria and consequently for the efficient energy metabolism of cell harbor a long uninterrupted run of guanines in this region, which may cause problems for replication, in contrast with , for which this run is generally shorter and interrupted. One may propose that the predominant motif provided a selective advantage for modern humans regarding mtDNA replication and function.