Deciphering the genetic diversity in the Arabian Peninsula and Africa: insights from Y-STR data

Abstract

Middle Eastern and African populations make up a significant portion of the global population and exhibit substantial genetic diversity. However, genetic studies on these populations have been largely underrepresented compared to other populations. This study analysed published Y-STR data for 186 populations and regions, including 14,504 individuals from 52 Middle Eastern and 134 African populations. The highest genetic diversity was found at the DYS458 locus in the Middle East and North Africa, and at the DYS385b locus in other African regions. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis and genetic distance calculations between Middle Eastern and African populations revealed five distinct clusters. The Arabian Peninsula countries formed two small clusters, while most African countries formed two mains centrally located clusters. The most common haplogroups in the Middle Eastern populations were J1a (29.4%), while in the African populations, E1b1a (43.2%) was the most prevalent. This study examined two allelic richness parameters: distinct and private alleles. Central Africa showed the highest levels of distinct alleles, with the Middle East having the third-highest level. The prevalence of private alleles in the Middle East was moderate, lower than South Africa but higher than North Africa. A population Q-matrix graph was constructed, yielding 10 clusters (K = 10) that identified population clusters in the Y-STR data corresponding to specific geographical regions and revealed stronger sub-grouping of countries within each population.