A genomic analysis identifies a novel component in the genetic structure of sub-Saharan African populations.
Studies of large sets of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data have proven to be a powerful tool in the analysis of the genetic structure of human populations. In this work, we analyze genotyping data for 2841 SNPs in 12 sub-Saharan African populations, including a previously unsampled region of southeastern Africa (Mozambique). We show that robust results in a world-wide perspective can be obtained when analyzing only 1000 SNPs. Our main results both confirm the results of previous studies, and show new and interesting features in sub-Saharan African genetic complexity. There is a strong differentiation of Nilo-Saharans, much beyond what would be expected by geography. Hunter-gatherer populations (Khoisan and Pygmies) show a clear distinctiveness with very intrinsic Pygmy (and not only Khoisan) genetic features. Populations of the West Africa present an unexpected similarity among them, possibly the result of a population expansion. Finally, we find a strong differentiation of the southeastern Bantu population from Mozambique, which suggests an assimilation of a pre-Bantu substrate by Bantu speakers in the region.
Sikora
Martin
M
Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (UPF-CSIC), CEXS-UPF-PRBB, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Laayouni
Hafid
H
Calafell
Francesc
F
Comas
David
D
Bertranpetit
Jaume
J
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000208:ethnology; D044383:Black People / Q000235:genetics*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005828:Genetics, Population; D015894:Genome, Human; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods*; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*