The Forest and Tundra Nenets: differences in Y-chromosome haplogroups

Area of Science:

• Population Genetics
• Human Evolutionary Studies
• Anthropology

Background:

• The Nenets people of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug are comprised of distinct Forest and Tundra sub-ethnos.
• Understanding the genetic landscape of Nenets clans is crucial for insights into their historical migrations and social structures.
• Previous studies have hinted at genetic differentiation, but detailed Y-chromosome analysis was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the genetic structure of Nenets clans using Y-chromosome markers.
• To differentiate between the Tundra and Forest Nenets populations based on their genetic profiles.
• To explore the phylogenetic relationships and ancestral origins within Nenets subclans and phratries.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 606 male Nenets individuals, including 536 Tundra Nenets and 70 Forest Nenets.
• Utilized 44 Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers to assess genetic variation.
• Employed haplogroup and haplotype analyses to determine population-specific genetic signatures.

Main Results:

• Identified distinct Y-chromosome sublineages specific to Kharyuchi (N1a2b1b1a~-B170) and Vanuito (N1a2b1b1b-B172) phratries.
• Observed a prevalence of haplogroup N1a2b1-B478 in Forest Nenets clans, with a unique haplogroup (N1a1a1a1a2a1c1~) in the Pyak clan.
• Demonstrated significant differences in haplogroup composition between Forest and Tundra Nenets, aligning with ethnological and linguistic data.

Conclusions:

• Nenets clan associations share common male-line ancestors and exhibit a recent founder effect.
• The genetic data suggest ancestral contributions from Khanty and Enets populations.
• Distinct genetic profiles of Forest and Tundra Nenets underscore their unique historical trajectories and origins.