Human genetic history on the Tibetan Plateau in the past 5100 years

Using genome-wide data of 89 ancient individuals dated to 5100 to 100 years before the present (B.P.) from 29 sites across the Tibetan Plateau, we found plateau-specific ancestry across plateau populations, with substantial genetic structure indicating high differentiation before 2500 B.P. Northeastern plateau populations rapidly showed admixture associated with millet farmers by 4700 B.P. in the Gonghe Basin. High genetic similarity on the southern and southwestern plateau showed population expansion along the Yarlung Tsangpo River since 3400 years ago. Central and southeastern plateau populations revealed extensive genetic admixture within the plateau historically, with substantial ancestry related to that found in southern and southwestern plateau populations. Over the past similar to 700 years, substantial gene flow from lowland East Asia further shaped the genetic landscape of present-day plateau populations. The high-altitude adaptive EPAS1 allele was found in plateau populations as early as in a 5100-year-old individual and showed a sharp increase over the past 2800 years.

Automated summary

By analyzing the genome-wide data of 89 ancient individuals from 29 sites on the Tibetan Plateau, it was discovered that the plateau populations have distinct ancestral lineage and high genetic diversity prior to 2500 B.P. There was evidence of rapid admixture with millet farmers in the Gonghe Basin by 4700 B.P., and population expansion along the Yarlung Tsangpo River since 3400 years ago. Extensive genetic admixture has occurred within the plateau historically, with significant gene flow from lowland East Asia in the past 700 years. The adaptive EPAS1 allele for high-altitude living was found as early as 5100 years ago.