The genetic composition of Argentina prior to the massive immigration era: Insights from matrilineages of extant criollos in central-western Argentina

J. M.B. Motti, B. Rodenak, M. Muzzio, V. Ramallo, M. R. Santos, C. Castro, E. L. Alfaro, J. E. Dipierri, M. Scheible, J. L. Saunier, J. A. Irwin, M. D. Coble, G. Bailliet, C. M. Bravi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Massive transatlantic immigration starting in 1860 significantly modified the human genetic landscape of Argentina. In an attempt to analyze the genetic composition of the country previous to this radical change, biological samples and genealogical info were obtained from individuals in La Rioja and San Juan cities in central-western Argentina. MtDNA control region sequences were obtained from individuals of self-reported criollo maternal ancestry, assigned to the (sub)haplogroups they belong to, and assigned a major continental origin. A high proportion of maternal lineages of Native American ancestry (>86%) was found in both populations, as well as similar inputs stemming from West Eurasia and sub-Saharan Africa. In sharp contrast, significant differences in the contribution of Native American (sub)haplogroups were observed. We propose that our results reflect both the differential distribution of Native American populations that contributed to the present-day criollo mtDNA gene pool and a preferential input of immigrants of Chilean origin to San Juan.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)342-343
Number of pages2
JournalForensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series
Volume2
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009

Keywords

  • Admixed populations
  • Argentina
  • Control region
  • Native American
  • mtDNA

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