Paleolithic genetic link between Southern China and Mainland Southeast Asia revealed by ancient mitochondrial genomes

J Hum Genet. 2020 Dec;65(12):1125-1128. doi: 10.1038/s10038-020-0796-9. Epub 2020 Jul 11.

Abstract

The genetic history of Southern East Asians is not well-known, especially prior to the Neolithic period. To address this, we successfully sequenced two complete mitochondrial genomes of 11,000-year-old human individuals from Southern China, thus generating the oldest ancient DNA sequences from this area. Integrating published mitochondrial genomes, we characterized M71d, a new subhaplogroup of haplogroup M71. Our results suggest a possible early migration between Southern China and mainland Southeast Asia by at least 22,000 BP.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Asia, Southeastern
  • Asian People / genetics*
  • China / epidemiology
  • DNA, Ancient / analysis*
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / classification
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Genome, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Haplotypes / genetics
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans

Substances

  • DNA, Ancient
  • DNA, Mitochondrial