Biology subjects

Moraga, M.

Publications and source records attributed to Moraga, M..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

The genomic and cultural diversity of the Inka Qhapaq hucha ceremony in Chile and Argentina

The South American archaeological record has ample evidence of the socio-cultural dynamism of human populations in the past. This has also been supported through the analysis of ancient genomes, by showing evidence of gene flow across the region. While the extent of these signals is yet to be tested, the growing number of ancient genomes allows for more fine-scaled hypotheses to be evaluated. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of individuals associated with the Inka ritual, Qhapaq hucha. As part of this ceremony, one or more individuals were buried with Inka and local-style offerings on mountain summits along the Andes, leaving a very distinctive record. Using paleogenomic tools, we analyzed three individuals: two newly-generated genomes from El Plomo Mountain (Chile) and El Toro Mountain (Argentina), and a previously published genome from Argentina (Aconcagua Mountain). Our results reveal a complex demographic scenario with each of the individuals showing different genetic affinities. Furthermore, while two individuals showed genetic similarities with present-day and ancient populations from the southern region of the Inka empire, the third individual may have undertaken long-distance movement. The genetic diversity we observed between individuals from similar cultural contexts supports the highly diverse strategies the Inka implemented while incorporating new territories. More broadly, this research contributes to our growing understanding of the population dynamics in the Andes by discussing the implications and temporality of population movements in the region.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2018

The genetic prehistory of the Andean highlands 7,000 Years BP though European contact

The peopling of the Andean highlands above 2500m in elevation was a complex process that included cultural, biological and genetic adaptations. Here we present a time series of ancient whole genomes from the Andes of Peru, dating back to 7,000 calendar years before present (BP), and compare them to 64 new genome-wide genetic variation datasets from both high and lowland populations. We infer three significant features: a split between low and high elevation populations that occurred between 9200-8200 BP; a population collapse after European contact that is significantly more severe in South American lowlanders than in highland populations; and evidence for positive selection at genetic loci related to starch digestion and plausibly pathogen resistance after European contact. Importantly, we do not find selective sweep signals related to known components of the human hypoxia response, which may suggest more complex modes of genetic adaptation to high altitude.\n\nOne Sentence SummaryAncient DNA from the Andes reveals a complex picture of human adaptation from early settlement to the colonial period.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2018

Whole genome sequence of Mapuche-Huilliche Native Americans

BackgroundWhole human genome sequencing initiatives provide a compendium of genetic variants that help us understand population history and the basis of genetic diseases. Current data mostly focuses on Old World populations and information on the genomic structure of Native Americans, especially those from the Southern Cone is scant.\n\nResultsHere we present a high-quality complete genome sequence of 11 Mapuche-Huilliche individuals (HUI) from Southern Chile (85% genomic and 98% exonic coverage at > 30X), with 96-97% high confidence calls. We found approximately 3.1x106 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) per individual and identified 403,383 (6.9%) of novel SNVs that are not included in current sequencing databases. Analyses of large-scale genomic events detected 680 copy number variants (CNVs) and 4,514 structural variants (SVs), including 398 and 1,910 novel events, respectively. Global ancestry composition of HUI genomes revealed that the cohort represents a marginally admixed population from the Southern Cone, whose genetic component is derived from early Native American ancestors. In addition, we found that HUI genomes display highly divergent and novel variants with potential functional impact that converge in ontological categories essential in cell metabolic processes.\n\nConclusionsMapuche-Huilliche genomes contain a unique set of small- and large-scale genomic variants in functionally linked genes, which may contribute to susceptibility for the development of common complex diseases or traits in admixed Latinos and Native American populations. Our data represents an ancestral reference panel for population-based studies in Native and admixed Latin American populations.

genomics↗