Genetic Ancestry of Modern-Day Indians
Recent research reveals that modern-day Indians likely descend from three ancestral groups linked to Iranian and Central Asian cultures. This study published in the journal Cell provides vital information about the genetic history of India, denoting the complex interactions of migration and social practices over thousands of years.
Ancestral Groups
The study identifies three main ancestral groups. These are Neolithic Iranian farmers, Eurasian Steppe pastoralists, and South Asian hunter-gatherers. Each group contributed to the genetic makeup of contemporary Indians. These contributions reflect ancient migrations that shaped the population’s genetic diversity.
Migration Patterns
Genetic evidence suggests that the initial migration to India occurred around 50,000 years ago from Africa. This migration laid the foundation for the genetic structure of Indian populations. Subsequent gene flow from Neanderthals and Denisovans added 1-2 per cent to the genetic composition of modern Indians.
Genetic Variation Study
The research involved 2,762 individuals from 18 state of Indias, representing a diverse array of geographic and social backgrounds. This comprehensive approach provided a detailed snapshot of genetic variation across urban and rural populations, including various language speakers and historically underrepresented communities.
Neanderthal and Denisovan Contributions
The study successfully reconstructed around 50 per cent of the Neanderthal genome and 20 per cent of the Denisovan genome from Indian individuals. This reconstruction allows researchers to understand the contributions of these archaic humans to immune function and adaptation in contemporary Indians.
Homozygosity and Genetic Health
The study found elevated levels of homozygosity among Indians, meaning many individuals inherit identical gene versions from both parents. This phenomenon is higher than in East Asians and Europeans. Increased homozygosity can lead to a higher prevalence of harmful genetic variants, increasing the risk of recessive diseases and congenital disorders.
Implications of Endogamy
The research indicates a major demographic shift towards endogamy in India, where individuals often marry within their communities. This practice has implications for genetic diversity and health, as it can lead to an increased risk of genetic disorders due to the concentration of certain genetic variants.
Future Research Directions
This study opens avenues for further research into the genetic history of India. Understanding the complex ancestry of Indians can help in addressing public health issues related to genetic diseases. It also encourages a deeper exploration of how historical migrations shaped not only genetics but also cultural and linguistic diversity in the region.
| Related | |
|---|---|
