Berbers and Arabs: Tracing the genetic diversity and history of Southern Tunisia through genome wide analysis

摘要: Objectives Tunisia has been a crossroads for people from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East since prehistoric times. At present, it is inhabited by two main ethnic groups, Arabs Berbers, several minorities. This study aims to advance knowledge regarding their genetic structure using new population samplings genome-wide approach. Materials methods We investigated genomic variation, estimated ancestry components dated admixture events in three Berber Arab populations Southern Tunisia, mining dataset including Eastern, sub-Saharan, European populations. Results Differences proportion of North African, Arabian, ancestries varying impact isolation determined significant heterogeneity Tunisian Admixture time estimates show multilayer pattern events, involving both ethno-linguistic which started around mid XI century lasted nearly five centuries. Discussion Our provides evidence that relationships between cultural diversity old inhabitants Africa southern follow different patterns. The Berbers seem have preserved part common heritage despite Islamization, influence, linguistic diversity. Compared Morocco Algeria, retained higher level Arabian ancestry. more evident semi-nomad R'Baya, who kept original Bedouin lifestyle, than Douz, undergone multiple stratification admixture.