Y-Chromosome Variation in the Iraqi Population

Ammar M.  Shakir

doi:10.51699/cajmns.v7i1.3004

Ammar M. Shakir Freelance Researcher

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmns.v7i1.3004

Keywords: Haplogroup, Genetic Analyses, Y-STR, Y-SNP, Big Y-700

Abstract

Iraq is considered the cradle of civilizations and the oldest civilization in the world. Due to historical events over the ages, this has led to the gathering of many origins, nationalities, and religions within Iraq, resulting in genetic diversity within Iraq. Studying of genetic diversity among the origins and ethnicities of Iraq by collecting 1502 samples specifically from men from different parts of the country and from different ethnicities and religions, analyzing the Y chromosome, and comparing the results with Advanced Y-chromosome testing methods were employed, including Y-STR and Y-SNP markers, as well as the Big Y-700 and Family Finder tests based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) and SNP array technologies. In the present study, Y-chromosome analysis revealed that haplogroup J1 was the most prevalent (over 31%), followed by J2 (≈20%), E-M35 (12%), T1-M70 (6.6%), G-M201 (≈6.46%), R-M269 (6.4%), and R-M198 (6.2%).The genetic analysis, 1,093 Arab samples were examined, with 514 undergoing detailed SNP testing. The dominant paternal lineage was haplogroup J1 (36%), followed by J2 (17%), E-M35 (12%), T-M70 (7.7%), G-M201 (5.3%), R-M198 (5.22%), and R-M269 (4.3%), reflecting the major paternal components of the Arab population in Iraq. Genetic analyses in Iraq show that haplogroup J, particularly branches J1 and J2, comprise over half of male Y-chromosome lineages. Haplogroup J1-FGC1695 is predominant among Iraqi Arabs, representing 78% of J1 samples and indicating a population expansion about 3,000 years ago. Genetic diversity among Arabs is influenced by Iraq’s lengthy history of migrations, although certain groups like the Romani and Kakais present approximate results due to smaller sample sizes. The Romani display 40% Indian ancestry and a paternal lineage suggesting recent migration, while the Yazidis lack distinct genetic clustering.

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