Mitochondrial DNA Profiles of Individuals from a 12th Century Necropolis in Feldioara (Transylvania)

Overview

Journal Genes (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2021 Apr 3

PMID 33808521

Citations 1

Authors

Alexandra Ginguta

Ioana Rusu

Cristina Mircea

Adrian Ionita

Horia L Banciu

Beatrice Kelemen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The genetic signature of modern Europeans is the cumulated result of millennia of discrete small-scale exchanges between multiple distinct population groups that performed a repeated cycle of movement, settlement, and interactions with each other. In this study we aimed to highlight one such minute genetic cycle in a sea of genetic interactions by reconstructing part of the genetic story of the migration, settlement, interaction, and legacy of what is today the Transylvanian Saxon. The analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region of 13 medieval individuals from Feldioara necropolis (Transylvania region, Romania) reveals a genetically heterogeneous group where all identified haplotypes are different. Most of the perceived maternal lineages are of Western Eurasian origin, except for the Central Asiatic haplogroup C seen in only one sample. Comparisons with historical and modern populations describe the contribution of the investigated Saxon settlers to the genetic history of this part of Europe.

Citing Articles

Ancient and Archaic Genomes.

Vai S, Lari M, Caramelli D Genes (Basel). 2021; 12(9).

PMID: 34573393 PMC: 8470403. DOI: 10.3390/genes12091411.

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