Mitochondrial DNA analysis of ancient Peruvian highlanders

Abstract

Ancient DNA recovered from 57 individuals excavated by Hiram Bingham at the rural communities of Paucarcancha, Patallacta, and Huata near the famed Inca royal estate and ritual site of Machu Picchu was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, and the results were compared with ancient and modern DNA from various Central Andean areas to test their hypothesized indigenous highland origins. The control and coding regions of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 35 individuals in this group were sequenced, and the haplogroups of each individual were determined. The frequency data for the haplogroups of these samples show clear proximity to those of modern Quechua and Aymara populations in the Peruvian and Bolivian highlands, and contrast with those of pre-Hispanic individuals of the north coast of Peru that we defined previously. Our study suggests a strong genetic affinity between sampled late pre-Hispanic individuals and modern Andean highlanders. A previous analysis of the Machu Picchu osteological collection suggests that the residents there were a mixed group of natives from various coastal and highland regions relocated by the Inca state for varied purposes. Overall, our study indicates that the sampled individuals from Paucarcancha and Patallacta were indigenous highlanders who provided supportive roles for nearby Machu Picchu.

Serum testosterone levels and excessive erythrocytosis during the process of adaptation to high altitudes

“…Currently, there are three characteristic population groups living at HA in Peru: Aymara (the oldest population living at HA), Quechua and the admixture, primarily with Spaniards. [8][9][10] In Tibet, there are two ethnic groups living in the highlands, the Tibetans and the Hans. The Hans have resided there for no more than 70 years, and they show higher Hb levels than the Tibetans.…”

Diachronic Investigations of Mitochondrial and Y-Chromosomal Genetic Markers in Pre-Columbian Andean Highlanders from South Peru

“…Especially for the central and southern areas there is no evidence that this spread was accompanied by significant population biological processes (Burger, 2008). This assumption is supported by palaeogenetic studies that verify a significant genetic differentiation between the prehistoric coastal and highland populations in Southern Peru at least for a period ranging from 800 BC to 650 AD even though cultural influences of coastal cultures are evident in the adjacent highlands (Shimada et al, 2004;Shinoda et al, 2006;Fehren-Schmitz, 2008;Fehren-Schmitz et al, 2009. With the transition to the Middle Horizon (600-1000 AD) the first highland state societies like the Wari occur that spread their cultural traditions intentionally throughout the central Andean area through partially aggressive expansion, state influenced migration, and relocation (Schreiber, 1992;Tung, 2007;Heggarty, 2008).…”

“…For South America the number of palaeogenetic studies is still small. Only recently there has been an increased interest in studies of pre-Columbian Central Andean populations from the coast (Shimada et al, 2004;Moraga et al, 2005;FehrenSchmitz et al, 2009FehrenSchmitz et al, , 2010 and the highlands (Shinoda et al, 2006;Lewis et al, 2007a;Kemp et al, 2009;Carnese et al, 2010).…”

Ancient DNA Analysis of Palaeolithic Ryukyu Islanders

“…Bone samples were wrapped in aluminium foil and stored in a refrigerator at 4°C until DNA extraction. Standard precautions were practised to avoid contamination, such as separation of pre-and post-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experimental setups, use of disposable laboratory gear and filter-plugged pipette tips, treatment with DNA contamination removal solution (DNA Away; Molecular Bio Products, San Diego, CA, USA), ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of equipment and benches, and negative extraction and PCR controls (Shinoda et al 2006). DNA was extracted from the skeletal samples, according to previously published protocols (Adachi et al 2009).…”