Gene pool preservation across time and space In Mongolian-speaking Oirats

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• Eurasian History

Background:

• The Oirats, a Mongolian-speaking group, dispersed across Eurasia from East Asia to Eastern Europe during the Late Middle Ages/early Modern period.
• Their nomadic migrations shaped a wide geographic spread, influencing the ethnic and genetic landscape of the Eurasian Steppe.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic structure and historical migrations of Oirat-speaking populations.
• To analyze genome-wide and mitochondrial DNA from diverse Oirat groups and related populations.

Main Methods:

• Generation of new genome-wide and mitochondrial DNA data.
• Comparative analysis of genetic data from Oirats in Kalmykia, Western Mongolia, Xinjiang, Issyk-Kul Sart-Kalmaks, and related groups from Altai, Tuva, and Northern Mongolia.

Main Results:

• Kalmyks (Eastern Europe) and Oirats (Western Mongolia) exhibit significant genetic similarity, high effective population size, and low interpopulation structure, consistent with nomadic mobility and exogamy.
• Issyk-Kul Sart-Kalmaks display a distinct genetic profile, suggesting unique ancestry, isolation, and genetic drift.
• Limited gene flow was observed between Oirat ancestors and Altaians during the late Middle Ages.

Conclusions:

• Nomadic lifestyle and marriage practices strongly influence the genetic makeup of Oirat-speaking groups, maintaining cohesion across vast distances.
• The Issyk-Kul Sart-Kalmaks represent a genetically distinct subgroup with a unique historical trajectory.
• Ancient gene flow patterns reveal specific interactions between Oirat ancestors and neighboring populations like the Altaians.