How environmentally-induced adaptation and migration events have shaped the DNA of worldwide human populations
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department Name: Genetics Evolution and Environment
Abstract
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Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Garrett Hellenthal (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Nancy Bird (Student) |
Publications
Bird, N
(2023)
Dense sampling of ethnic groups within African countries reveals fine-scale genetic structure and extensive historical admixture
in Science Advances
Hellenthal G
(2021)
Structure and ancestry patterns of Ethiopians in genome-wide autosomal DNA.
in Human molecular genetics
López S
(2021)
Evidence of the interplay of genetics and culture in Ethiopia.
in Nature communications
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/S007229/1 | 30/09/2019 | 29/09/2028 | |||
| 2066584 | Studentship | NE/S007229/1 | 30/09/2018 | 23/02/2023 | Nancy Bird |
| Description | The PhD studentship involved the analysis of large novel genetic datasets sampling worldwide individuals, using powerful techniques. The main focus of the PhD was on African genetic diversity. I demonstrate a previously underappreciated level of fine-scale genetic structure that correlates with ethnolinguistic group and/or geography using a densely sampled dataset of >1300 individuals. Furthermore, I infer signals of historical mixing between genetically distinct groups, and show that this often correlates with significant events in African history. Events I particularly focus on are the large Kanem Bornu Empire (700-1800CE) which was involved in trading networks across the African continent and correlates with signals of mixing between North, East and West Africans and the expansion of Bantu-speaking peoples which was one of the largest demographic events in history, associated with the spread of agriculture to Africa and changed the genetic landscape of the continent. I additionally analyse unpublished data from worldwide Jewish groups, demonstrating again that admixture related to historical events, such as the Arabic expansion and the Roman period, has played a ubiquitous role in shaping patterns of genetic variation. Overall, I show how using genetic data together with historical, linguistic and archaeological sources can provide increased resolution to our understanding of human history. I advocate for more dense sampling of groups within African countries to reveal the full extent of genetic diversity present. |
| Exploitation Route | Firstly, this PhD has demonstrated the need for more sampling of genomes from Africa because large amounts of genetic diversity are missed with current sparse datasets. It will also be important for designing sampling strategies for future genome-wide association studies of individuals from the regions analysed, that test for links between genes and disease phenotypes. It is important for such studies to include samples that represent the genetic diversity present, and therefore previous population structure studies are necessary to decide how to sample individuals. |
| Sectors | Healthcare Other |
| Description | Lecture tour of Cameroonian universities |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Gave talks at three different Cameroonian universities (University of Yaounde I, University of Douala, Universite des Montagnes) explaining our research. Talks were to >100 faculty members and students from many different disciplines (linguists, anthropologists, medical practitioners). Aimed to educate more general audiences and start multidisciplinary collaborations. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |