The significant shift of locomotion on horseback attributed to the transformation of animals for domestic use
New Study Uncovers Key Genetic Modification Facilitating Horse Domestication
A groundbreaking study, led by researchers at the Centre for Anthropology and Genomics of Toulouse (CNRS/University of Toulouse) in collaboration with Swiss and Chinese teams, has shed light on the major genetic transformations that occurred during horse domestication. The study, published in the journal Science on August 28, 2025, with the DOI 10.1126/science.adp4581, has identified a significant genetic modification that played a decisive role in the emergence of equestrian mobility.
The study focuses on a modification of the Gasdermin C (GSDMC) gene, present in all mammals. This modification was discovered to be very rare before horse domestication but became very frequent during that time. The researchers believe that the selection of this modification by early breeders is what facilitated horse riding and movement.
The modification of the GSDMC gene was found to change the equid's anatomy, leading to a flatter vertebral column and better motor coordination. This adaptation, in turn, made horses more suitable for riding and movement, enhancing their utility for human needs.
In addition to the key genetic modification, the study also highlighted thirteen other mutations selected at different periods in history. One of these mutations influenced the animal's behavior, making it more docile and receptive to human interaction. Other selected mutations contributed to increasing the size of horses from the Iron Age onwards, and throughout Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
The identification of this crucial genetic change affecting horse mobility during domestication involved researchers reported by wissenschaft.de, although specific names of researchers and institutions were not provided in the available search results.
The study enriches our understanding of the unique bond between humans and horses, a relationship that has spanned thousands of years. It provides valuable insights into the genetic adaptations that enabled horses to become such an integral part of human history.
In conclusion, this study offers a fascinating glimpse into the genetic changes that accompanied horse domestication, providing a deeper understanding of the bond between humans and horses. The findings could also have implications for modern breeding practices, potentially leading to new insights and advancements in equine genetics.
