Unraveling the genetic landscape and admixture dynamics of urban populations across Peru

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Authors: Víctor Borda, Omar Caceres, Cesar Sanchez, Carlos Padilla, Diego M. Véliz-Otani, Marla Mendes, Carolina Silva-Carvalho, Isabela Alvim, Bradley A. Maron, Mateus Henrique Gouveia, Eduardo Tarazona-Santos, Heinner Guio
+1 more Timothy D. O’Connor
Cited by: 1
References: 63

Abstract

Latin American populations exhibit high genetic and phenotypic diversity shaped by complex admixture histories, yet remain underrepresented in genomic research. Here, we analyze genome-wide data from 432 urban individuals across 13 regions of Peru, including 346 newly genotyped from the Peruvian Genome Project. We reveal fine-scale population structure and demographic patterns shaped by both ancient and recent events. Indigenous American ancestries in urban individuals trace back to ancient north-south interactions consistent with archaeological records, while admixture events occurring within the last 8-10 generations involved sources already admixed between distinct ancestral lineages. Identity-by-descent analyses reveal sustained gene flow in southern Peru, while effective population size trends highlight demographic stability in Lima over the past 25 generations. Sex-biased admixture patterns suggest Indigenous ancestry contribution preferentially mediated by females. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of Peru's genetic heritage, enhancing our understanding of human genetic diversity and historical demographic processes in Latin America.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Genetic diversity and population structure Race Genetics and Society Forensic and Genetic Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Communications Biology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
9
Issue
1
Publication date
2 April 2026
Language
EN