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aYChr-DB: a database of ancient human Y haplogroups
Laurence Freeman1, Conrad Stephen Brimacombe1, Eran Elhaik1
1University of Sheffield, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics
|February 12, 2021
Summary
Ancient Y-Chromosome DNA analysis reveals migration patterns and demographic history. A new database, aYChr-DB, compiles 1797 ancient Eurasian Y-Chromosome haplogroups for paleogenomic research.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenomics
- Population Genetics
- Human Evolutionary Studies
Background:
- Ancient Y-Chromosomal DNA is crucial for understanding ancient human migrations and demographics.
- Paleogenomics has seen rapid growth, with a quadrupling of ancient genomes published between 2018-2020.
- Existing resources for ancient mitochondrial DNA haplogroups are not matched by a comprehensive Y-Chromosome counterpart.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a centralized, comprehensive database of ancient Eurasian Y-Chromosome haplogroups.
- To provide a valuable resource for researchers studying ancient population dynamics and migrations.
- To facilitate the analysis of Y-Chromosome haplogroup distribution across time and geography.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of 1797 ancient Eurasian human Y-Chromosome haplogroups.
- Inclusion of data on age, geographic location, genomic coverage, and associated archaeological cultures.
- Development of a visualization tool for ancient Y haplogroup distribution over time.
Main Results:
- The creation of aYChr-DB, a database containing 1797 ancient Eurasian Y-Chromosome haplogroups.
- The database spans a wide temporal range, from 44,930 BC to 1945 AD.
- A visualization of ancient Y haplogroup distribution provides insights into their historical spread.
Conclusions:
- The aYChr-DB database is a significant advancement for paleogenomic and population genomic research.
- It offers a standardized resource for investigating ancient human history through Y-Chromosome data.
- This database will aid in deciphering complex migration routes and demographic shifts in ancient Eurasia.
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