Origins and Divergence of the Roma (Gypsies)

Marushiakova, Elena (2001) Origins and Divergence of the Roma (Gypsies). The American Journal of Human Genetics. pp. 1314-1331.

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Abstract

The identification of a growing number of novel Mendelian disorders and private mutations in the Roma (Gypsies) points to their unique genetic heritage. Linguistic evidence suggests that they are of diverse Indian origins. Their social structure within Europe resembles that of the jatis of India, where the endogamous group, often defined by profession, is the primary unit. Genetic studies have reported dramatic differences in the frequencies of mutations and neutral polymorphisms in different Romani populations. However, these studies have not resolved ambiguities regarding the origins and relatedness of Romani populations. In this study, we examine the genetic structure of 14 well-defined Romani populations. Y-chromosome and mtDNA markers of different mutability were analyzed in a total of 275 individuals. Asian Y-chromosome haplogroup VI-68, defined by a mutation at the M82 locus, was present in all 14 populations and accounted for 44.8% of Romani Y chromosomes. Asian mtDNA-haplogroup M was also identified in all Romani populations and accounted for 26.5% of female lineages in the sample. Limited diversity within these two haplogroups, measured by the variation at eight short-tandem-repeat loci for the Y chromosome, and sequencing of the HVS1 for the mtDNA are consistent with a small group of founders splitting from a single ethnic population in the Indian subcontinent. Principal-components analysis and analysis of molecular variance indicate that genetic structure in extant endogamous Romani populations has been shaped by genetic drift and differential admixture and correlates with the migrational history of the Roma in Europe. By contrast, social organization and professional group divisions appear to be the product of a more recent restitution of the caste system of India.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	David Gresham, Bharti Morar, Peter A. Underhill, Giuseppe Passarino, Alice A. Lin, Cheryl Wise, Dora Angelicheva, Francesc Calafell, Peter J. Oefner, Peidong Shen, Ivailo Tournev, Rosario de Pablo, Vaidutis Kucˆinskas, Anna Perez-Lezaun, Elena Marushiakova, Vesselin Popov and Luba Kalaydjieva,
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Europe, Roma, Gypsy, origins, divergence, methodology, research, genetic
Subjects:	B Mission Theology/Theory > Contextualization/Inculturation B Mission Theology/Theory > Creation and Environment B Mission Theology/Theory > Identity Issues B Mission Theology/Theory > Migration / Diaspora B Mission Theology/Theory > Research Methodology B Mission Theology/Theory > Human Development G Christian Traditions/ Denominations > Other
Depositing User:	Jelena Bakic
Date Deposited:	30 Aug 2022 10:30
Last Modified:	30 Aug 2022 10:30
URI:	https://rocprints.rockcentre.org/id/eprint/577

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