Population genomics of Central Asian peoples unveil ancient Trans-Eurasian genetic admixture and cultural exchanges
Guanglin He,
Mengge Wang,
Lintao Luo,
Qiuxia Sun,
Haibing Yuan,
Hongliang Lv,
Yuhang Feng,
Xiaojun Liu,
Jing Cheng,
Fengxiao Bu,
Maxat Zhabagin,
Huijun Yuan,
Chao Liu,
Shuhua Xu
Affiliations
Guanglin He
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Anti-Drug Technology Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China; Correspondence:
Mengge Wang
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Anti-Drug Technology Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China; Correspondence:
Lintao Luo
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
Qiuxia Sun
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Department of Forensic Medicine, College of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
Haibing Yuan
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
Hongliang Lv
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
Yuhang Feng
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
Xiaojun Liu
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
Jing Cheng
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
Fengxiao Bu
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
Maxat Zhabagin
National Center for Biotechnology, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Huijun Yuan
Center for Archaeological Science, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China; Correspondence:
Chao Liu
Anti-Drug Technology Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong, China; Correspondence:
Shuhua Xu
Center for Evolutionary Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; Correspondence:
Central Asia, a crucible of prehistoric and historical Trans-Eurasian interactions, has been pivotal in shaping cultural exchanges, population dynamics, and genetic admixture. Recent insights from ancient DNA studies have shed light on the extensive population turnover within this region, encompassing a spectrum of groups from Paleolithic hunter-gatherers to Holocene herders and the nomadic pastoralist empires of historical times. The genomic analysis of ancient pathogens across the Eurasian steppe has further deepened our understanding of pathogen origins, clonal expansions, and the intricate processes of host-pathogen coevolution in relation to varying pathogen exposures and their spread. We consolidate the latest findings pertaining to the ancient human and pathogen genomes of Central Asia, elucidating their profound influence on the genomic tapestry of contemporary Central Asians. A notable gap in the current genomic databases for Central Asia is underscored, particularly within the scope of genomics-driven precision medicine. We stress the urgent need for the development of extensive, region-specific genomic resources that hold promise for revealing the genetic blueprints underlying human traits and diseases, refining polygenic scoring models for predictive medicine, and bolstering genomic research endeavors across Central Asia.
