The importance of anthropological genetics research in Honduras, Central America

Abstract

With its unique geographic location at the northern end of the Central American isthmus, Honduras straddles the boundaries of two distinct cultural regions—the Mesoamerican and the Istmo-Colombian. In this context, we briefly discuss the progress of population genetics studies conducted within Honduras. The text underscores the importance of conducting fieldwork to improve our understanding of the genetic history, population dynamics, and emergence of diseases among the Indigenous communities of this country. Among the seven distinct Indigenous populations currently under genetic investigation, we highlight the case of the Garifuna people. We explore their origins, patterns of migration, genetic differentiation, and the prevalence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), which may be linked to founder effects. Our research endeavors in Honduras emphasize the value of an interdisciplinary approach in the study of local human populations that have been instrumental in shaping our evolving comprehension of the genetic landscapes within this unique geographical and cultural setting.

Keywords

• Central America
• Honduras
• anthropological genetics
• founder effect
• fieldwork