Mitochondrial DNA analysis of remains from Zhukaigou archaeological site in Inner Mongolia

Objective To assess the genetic affinities of the population from the Zhukaigou archaeological site in Inner Mongolia.Methods The mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region Ⅰ(HVRⅠ) in teeth of 9 individuals were amplified and sequenced.Different phylogenetic analyses were performed using mtDNA sequences among the ancient population,the Yinniugou ancient population and several modern Asian populations.The sequences were primarily assigned into each mtDNA haplogroups,and compared with modern populations.Results Fragments of mtDNA HVRⅠ,364 bp in length,were recovered from 7 individuals from the Zhukaigou archaeological site.7 sequence types and 15 polymorphism sites were found.Haplogroup distributions of the ancient individuals were investigated according to variations in the HVRⅠ sequence.Conclusion The matrilineal genetic structure of the Zhukaigou site population is close to that of the later Yinniugou population and modern populations in this area.This aDNA study shows the continuity of the matrilineal genetic structure in the populations of the south central Inner Mongolia.