Prehistoric genomes from Yunnan reveal ancestry related to Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers

AI interpretationAI-generated

Ancient Yunnan genomes link prehistoric southern East Asians to Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers.

This study successfully sequenced 147 prehistoric individuals from Yunnan, China, and analyzed 127 with sufficient genome-wide data. The genomes reveal ancestry related to both present-day Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers, shedding light on the complex population history of southern East Asia. The findings highlight Yunnan as a key region for understanding ancient human migrations and genetic diversity.

• Successful genome-wide sequencing of 127 prehistoric individuals from Yunnan, a region with sparse ancient DNA data.
• Genetic ancestry linked to both Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers, indicating ancient connections across East and Southeast Asia.
• Yunnan served as a crossroads for human populations, contributing to the genetic landscape of southern East Asia.

Sample interpretation

The study analyzed 157 samples, with 82 resolved Y-chromosome haplogroups. The most common Y haplogroups include O-Z39489 (5), D-F17034 (4), and O-Z25928 (4). Mitochondrial DNA shows M75 (13), Z3a (5), and F1a1c (5) as frequent lineages. One site, Haibaoshan, yielded 3 individuals. These lineages reflect diverse paternal and maternal ancestries typical of southern East Asia.

For genealogy enthusiasts

For ancestry enthusiasts, this study provides rare ancient DNA from Yunnan, showing that prehistoric southern East Asians already carried genetic components related to Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers. It underscores Yunnan's role in ancient migrations and offers new reference points for tracing deep ancestral roots in East and Southeast Asia.