Ancient Xinjiang mitogenomes reveal intense admixture with high genetic diversity

2021/03/31 by Wenjun Wang, Manyu Ding, Jacob D. Gardner +28 · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Arts and Humanities · #Forensic and Genetic Research #Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research #Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies #Evolutionary biology #Diversity (politics) #Bronze Age #Genome #Genetic diversity #Mitochondrial DNA #Biology #Bronze #Geography #Archaeology #Genetics #Gene #Anthropology #Demography #Population

paper · doi:10.1126/sciadv.abd6690

openalex publication_date 2021/03/31 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

Xinjiang is a key region in northwestern China, connecting East and West Eurasian populations and cultures for thousands of years. To understand the genetic history of Xinjiang, we sequenced 237 complete ancient human mitochondrial genomes from the Bronze Age through Historical Era (41 archaeological sites). Overall, the Bronze Age Xinjiang populations show high diversity and regional genetic affinities with Steppe and northeastern Asian populations along with a deep ancient Siberian connection for the Tarim Basin Xiaohe individuals. In the Iron Age, in general, Steppe-related and northeastern Asian admixture intensified, with North and East Xinjiang populations showing more affinity with northeastern Asians and South Xinjiang populations showing more affinity with Central Asians. The genetic structure observed in the Historical Era of Xinjiang is similar to that in the Iron Age, demonstrating genetic continuity since the Iron Age with some additional genetic admixture with populations surrounding the Xinjiang region.

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Cited by

• Ancient Mitochondrial Genomes Reveal Extensive Genetic Influence of the Steppe Pastoralists in Western Xinjiang
• History of Xinjiang [wikipedia]