Rapid Evolution of a Human mtDNA Pool
Author Information
Author(s): Helgason Agnar, Lalueza-Fox Carles, Ghosh Shyamali, Sigurðardóttir Sigrún, Sampietro Maria Lourdes, Gigli Elena, Baker Adam, Bertranpetit Jaume, Árnadóttir Lilja, Þorsteinsdottir Unnur, Stefánsson Kári
Primary Institution: deCODE Genetics, Reykjavik, Iceland
Hypothesis
How has the mtDNA pool of early medieval Icelandic settlers evolved compared to modern Icelanders?
Conclusion
The mtDNA sequences from early medieval Icelandic settlers are more closely related to those from contemporary populations in Scotland, Ireland, and Scandinavia than to modern Icelanders, indicating rapid evolution in the Icelandic mtDNA pool.
Supporting Evidence
- A sample of 68 early medieval Icelandic skeletal remains was analyzed.
- The mtDNA sequences from the settlers showed a closer relationship to contemporary populations in Scotland and Ireland.
- Genetic drift in the Icelandic mtDNA pool has been faster than in larger European populations.
- Statistical tests indicated significant differences between ancient and modern Icelandic mtDNA.
- Meta-analyses supported the authenticity of the candidate sequences from the ancient samples.
Takeaway
Scientists studied old DNA from Icelandic skeletons and found that the DNA of the first settlers is more similar to people in nearby countries today than to modern Icelanders.
Methodology
DNA was extracted from 98 teeth of 95 skeletal remains, and mtDNA control region sequences were amplified, cloned, and sequenced.
Potential Biases
Potential contamination from modern DNA sources during extraction and analysis.
Limitations
Some skeletal remains were excluded from analysis due to contamination or unresolved incompatibilities in sequences.
Participant Demographics
The study involved early medieval Icelandic skeletal remains, approximately 1,000 years old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000215
Confidence Interval
95% C.I.: 44.6–71.2%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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