Ancient genomes illuminate Eastern Arabian population history and adaptation against malaria
Martiniano R, Haber M, Almarri MA et al.
Publication Details
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Abstract
Summary of the research findings
The harsh climate of Arabia has posed challenges in generating ancient DNA from the region, hindering the direct examination of ancient genomes for understanding the demographic processes that shaped Arabian populations. In this study, we report whole-genome sequence data obtained from four Tylos-period individuals from Bahrain. Their genetic ancestry can be modeled as a mixture of sources from ancient Anatolia, Levant, and Iran/Caucasus, with variation between individuals suggesting population heterogeneity in Bahrain before the onset of Islam. We identify the G6PD Mediterranean mutation associated with malaria resistance in three out of four ancient Bahraini samples and estimate that it rose in frequency in Eastern Arabia from 5 to 6 kya onward, around the time agriculture appeared in the region. Our study characterizes the genetic composition of ancient Arabians, shedding light on the population history of Bahrain and demonstrating the feasibility of studies of ancient DNA in the region.
Ancient DNA Samples
4 ancient DNA samples referenced in this publication
| Sample ID | Date/Era | Country | Locality | Sex | mtDNA | Y-DNA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS_EMT | 200 BCE | Bahrain | Abu Saiba (Northern Governorate) | F | J1c15a1 |
|
| MH1_LT | 432 CE | Bahrain | Madinat Hamad (Northern Governorate) | M | R2 |
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| MH2_LT | 300 CE | Bahrain | Madinat Hamad (Northern Governorate) | F | T2b |
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| MH3_LT | 577 CE | Bahrain | Madinat Hamad (Northern Governorate) | M | U8b1a2a |
|
Analysis
Comprehensive review of ancestry and genetic findings
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