Mitochondrial lineage A2ah found in a pre-Hispanic individual from the Andean region

RUSSO, M. G.; DEJEAN, C. B.; AVENA, S. A.; SELDES, V.; RAMUNDO, P.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY

WILEY-LISS, DIV JOHN WILEY & SONS INC

Año: 2018

1042-0533

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of preHispanic Andean mitochondrial diversity by analyzing an individual from thearchaeological site Pukara de La Cueva (North-western Argentina). The date of the discovery context (540 6 60 BP) corresponds to the Regional Developments IIperiod.Methods: Two separate DNA extractions were performed from dentin powder ofone tooth. HVR I was amplified by PCR from each extract in three overlapping fragments and the haplotype was determined by consensus among all obtainedsequences. The procedures were carried out under strict protocols developed forworking with ancient DNA.Results: The individual belonged to the A2ah lineage due to the presence of the16097C and 16098G transitions, which constitute its distinctive motif. This lineage is very rare in Native American populations and was described in four individuals from current groups inhabiting the Bolivian Llanos, two from South-eastern Brazil, and one from the Gran Chaco region. In addition, two other mutations (16260T and 16286T) were shared with one of the individuals from the Bolivian Llanos region.Conclusions: Considering that the origin of this lineage was postulated for the South American lowlands, the present pre-Hispanic discovery in the Andean area could be taken as a new evidence of gene flow between these regions. Also, it allows the questioning of the geographical origin of this mitochondrial lineage.