Genome-wide study of a Neolithic Wartberg grave community reveals distinct HLA variation and hunter-gatherer ancestry

Commun Biol. 2021 Jan 25;4(1):113. doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01627-4.

Abstract

The Wartberg culture (WBC, 3500-2800 BCE) dates to the Late Neolithic period, a time of important demographic and cultural transformations in western Europe. We performed genome-wide analyses of 42 individuals who were interred in a WBC collective burial in Niedertiefenbach, Germany (3300-3200 cal. BCE). The results showed that the farming population of Niedertiefenbach carried a surprisingly large hunter-gatherer ancestry component (34-58%). This component was most likely introduced during the cultural transformation that led to the WBC. In addition, the Niedertiefenbach individuals exhibited a distinct human leukocyte antigen gene pool, possibly reflecting an immune response that was geared towards detecting viral infections.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Animals
  • Archaeology
  • DNA, Ancient / analysis
  • Europe
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population
  • Genome, Human
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Germany
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • History, Ancient
  • Human Migration
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Predatory Behavior / physiology*
  • Racial Groups / genetics
  • Residence Characteristics

Substances

  • DNA, Ancient
  • HLA Antigens