Detecting past male-mediated expansions using the Y chromosome.

摘要: Males and females display biological differences that lead to a higher variance of offspring number in males, this is frequently exacerbated human societies by mating practices, possibly past socio-cultural circumstances. This implies the genetic record might contain imprint male-mediated expansions, which can be investigated analysing male-specific region Y chromosome (MSY). Here, we review studies have used MSY data infer such expansions. Sets short-tandem repeats define haplotypes very low average frequencies, but few cases, high-frequency are observed, forming core descent clusters. Estimates ages clusters, together with geographical information, been propose powerful historical founders, including Genghis Khan, although without direct supporting evidence. Resequencing multi-megabase segments has allowed construction detailed phylogenies branch lengths proportional time, leading identification lineage expansions last millennia as well more distant past. Comparisons maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA sequence allow male specificity some these demonstrated. These include Europe ~5000 years may associated cultural shift during Bronze Age, elsewhere world for explanations from archaeological evidence not yet clear.