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Genome-wide patterns of selection in 230 ancient Eurasians
Iain Mathieson1, Iosif Lazaridis1,2, Nadin Rohland1,2
1Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Nature
|November 24, 2015
Summary
Ancient DNA analysis reveals natural selection in West Eurasians. Researchers identified genetic adaptations in diet, pigmentation, immunity, and height across populations from 6500 to 300 BC.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Ancient DNA (aDNA) enables direct observation of natural selection by analyzing populations across adaptation events.
- A large dataset of 230 West Eurasian ancient genomes (6500–300 BC) was utilized, including 163 newly reported genomes.
Observation:
- The study reports the first genome-wide ancient DNA from Anatolian Neolithic farmers, identified as the source population for early European farmers.
- A temporal transect of the Samara steppe region (5600–300 BC) was analyzed, revealing admixture from at least two external sources.
Findings:
- Genome-wide scans detected significant selection at loci related to diet, pigmentation, and immunity.
- Two distinct episodes of selection influencing human height were identified.
Implications:
- This research provides direct evidence of natural selection acting on key human traits in ancient populations.
- The findings contribute to understanding the genetic basis of adaptation and population dynamics in West Eurasia.
- The study highlights the power of ancient DNA in reconstructing evolutionary histories and identifying selective pressures.
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