mtDNA and Y-chromosome diversity in Aymaras and Quechuas from Bolivia: different stories and special genetic traits of the Andean Altiplano populations

MAGDALENA GAYA-VIDAL; PEDRO MORAL; NANCY SAENZ-RUALES; PASCALE GERBAULT; LAURE TONASSO; MERCEDES VILLENA; RENÉ VASQUEZ; CLAUDIO M. BRAVI; JEAN-MICHEL DUGOUJON

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

WILEY-LISS, DIV JOHN WILEY & SONS INC

Año: 2011 vol. 145 p. 215 - 230

0002-9483

Two Bolivian samples belonging to the two main Andean linguistic groups (Aymaras and Quechuas) were studied for mtDNA and Y-chromosome uniparental markers, in order to evaluate sex-specific differences and give new insights into the demographic processes of the Andean region. mtDNA coding polymorphisms, HVIHVII control regions, 17 Y-STRs and three SNPs were typed in two well-defined populations with adequate size samples. The two Bolivian samples showed more genetic differences for the mtDNA than for the Y-chromosome. For the mtDNA, 81% of Aymaras and 61% of Quechuas presented haplogroup B2. Native American Ychromosomes were found in 97% of Aymaras (89% hg Q1a3a, 11% hg Q1a3*) and 78% of Quechuas (100% hg Q1a3a). Our data revealed high diversity values in the two populations, in agreement with other Andean studies. The comparisons with the available literature for both sets of markers indicated that the central Andean area is relatively homogeneous. For mtDNA, the Aymaras seemed to have been more isolated throughout time, maintaining their genetic characteristics, while the Quechuas have been more permeable to the incorporation of female foreigners and Peruvian influences. On the other hand, male mobility would have been widespread across the Andean region according to the homogeneity found in the area. Particular genetic characteristics presented by both samples support a past common origin of the Altiplano populations in the ancient Aymara territory, with independent, although related histories, with Peruvian (Quechuas) populations.