Ubykh DNA - Literature Analysis by Kavin K
For those of you interested in the DNA and Science behind the Ubykh people, below are some literature summaries! I plan on reading more. Suggestions welcome!
Research Summary #1
Balanovska, E. V., Skhalyakho, R. A., Kagazezheva, Zh. A., Zaporozhchenko, V. V., Urasin, V. M., Agdzhoyan, A. T., ... & Balanovsky, O. P. (2019). Inferring the Genetic Ancestry of Ubykh People from North Caucasus. Russian Journal of Genetics, 55(12), 1545–1553. DOI: 10.1134/S1022795419090035.
This research provides an in-depth look at the Ubykh gene pool, focusing on individuals from their diaspora in Turkey. By analyzing Y-chromosome markers, the study sheds light on the genetic makeup of the Ubykh people.
The results show that most of the Ubykh population belongs to the West Caucasus haplogroup G2, which makes up 75% of their genetic profile. Another 19% is linked to the pan-Eurasian haplogroup R1a. Within the G2 group, researchers identified 14 different branches. The most common one, marked by the YY1215 marker, shows a close genetic relationship between the Ubykh and the Adyghe people.
The study also found that other groups in the region, like the Abkhaz-Adyghe-speaking communities and Turkic-speaking populations in the North Caucasus, are more genetically distant from the Ubykh compared to the Adyghe. Interestingly, the Ossetian gene pool, which lacks the G2 haplogroup, challenges the idea that the Ubykhs have Alanian roots, setting them apart from other Caucasian and Transcaucasian groups.
For those interested in exploring Ubykh genetic ancestry further, the research by Balanovska et al. offers a thorough analysis. This study adds to our understanding of the genetic diversity in the Caucasus and the relationships among its indigenous peoples.
Research Summary #2
Lazaridis, I., et al. (2014). Ancient human genomes suggest three ancestral populations for present-day Europeans. Nature, 513, 409–413. doi:10.1038/nature13673.
The research led by Lazaridis et al. offers new insights into the genetic origins of modern Europeans. By analyzing the genomes of ancient individuals, the study reveals that Europeans have ancestry from at least three distinct groups: Western European hunter-gatherers, ancient North Eurasians, and early European farmers from the Near East.
This research challenges earlier models that suggested Europeans were primarily a mix of local hunter-gatherers and Near Eastern farmers. The study highlights the influence of ancient North Eurasians on both Europeans and Near Easterners, showing a more complex picture of prehistoric migrations and interactions. It also introduces the idea of a "basal Eurasian" population that split from other non-African groups early on, significantly contributing to the ancestry of early European farmers.
The findings from Lazaridis et al. not only refine our understanding of European ancestry but also highlight the role of migration and mixing of populations over time. By combining genetic and archaeological evidence, the study paints a detailed picture of the prehistoric movements that shaped Europe's genetic landscape.
While this study doesn't directly focus on the Ubykh people, its methods and findings help us better understand the genetic diversity and migrations in the broader Eurasian region. This research provides a framework for studying the genetic history of various populations, including the Ubykh, by offering insights into how ancient peoples interacted and merged over time.