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The central Siberian origin for native American Y chromosomes
F R Santos1, A Pandya, C Tyler-Smith
1Departamento de Biologia Geral, ICB/UFMG, Caixa Postal 486, 31. 270-910 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. fsantos@mono.icb.ufmg.br fsantos@mono.icb.ufmg.br
American Journal of Human Genetics
|February 11, 1999
Summary
Investigating Y chromosomal DNA polymorphisms reveals ancient Siberian origins for Native American paternal lineages. This suggests male migration to the Americas during the Upper Pleistocene from central Siberia.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Anthropology
- Population Genetics
Background:
- Understanding the peopling of the Americas is crucial for human evolutionary studies.
- Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) analysis offers insights into paternal lineage migration patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origins of Native American paternal lineages using Y chromosomal DNA polymorphisms.
- To trace the ancestral migration routes of males to the American continent during the Pleistocene.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Y chromosomal DNA polymorphisms in a global sample of 306 men.
- Construction of 32 haplotypes based on variations at 30 polymorphic sites.
- Comparison of Native American Y-haplotypes with those from Siberian and other Eurasian populations.
Main Results:
- A major Y-haplotype found in most Native Americans was traced to common ancestors with Siberian populations (Kets and Altaians).
- These common ancestors likely originated from the Yenissey River Basin and Altai Mountains region.
- Further ancestral analysis indicated a shared origin with Caucasoid Y chromosomes from the central Eurasian region.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests a predominantly central Siberian origin for Native American paternal lineages.
- Male migration to the Americas during the Upper Pleistocene likely originated from central Siberia.
- This research contributes to understanding the complex peopling of the American continent.