The Tibetan-Yi region is both a corridor and a barrier for human gene flow

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62)21_Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Zhe Zhang
  • Yanlin Zhang
  • Yinan Wang
  • Zicheng Zhao
  • Melinda Yang
  • Lin Zhang
  • Bin Zhou
  • Bingying Xu
  • Hongbo Zhang
  • Teng Chen
  • Shuo Shi
  • Rasmus Nielsen
  • Shengbin Li

Related Research Unit(s)

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number110720
Journal / PublicationCell Reports
Volume39
Issue number4
Online published26 Apr 2022
Publication statusPublished - 26 Apr 2022

Link(s)

Abstract

The Tibetan-Yi Corridor (TYC) region between Tibet and the rest of east Asia has served as a crossroads for human migrations for thousands of years. The lack of whole-genome sequencing data specific to the TYC populations has hindered the understanding of the fundamental patterns of migration and divergence between humans in east Asia and southeast Asia. Here, we provide 248 individual whole genomes from the 16 TYC and 3 outgroup populations to elucidate historical relationships. We find that the Tibetan plateau forms an important barrier to gene flow, with a more Tibetan-like ancestry in northern populations and a southern east Asian-related ancestry in south populations. An isolated population, Achang, shows a prolonged isolation and genetic drift compared to other TYC populations. We also note that previous claims regarding the history and structure of TYC populations inferred by linguistics are incompatible with the genetic evidence.

Research Area(s)

  • CP: Molecular biology, geographic patterns, human migration, population genetics, Tibetan-Yi corridor

Citation Format(s)

The Tibetan-Yi region is both a corridor and a barrier for human gene flow. / Zhang, Zhe; Zhang, Yanlin; Wang, Yinan et al.
In: Cell Reports, Vol. 39, No. 4, 110720, 26.04.2022.

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews (RGC: 21, 22, 62)21_Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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