High-coverage genome sequencing of Yayoi and Jomon individuals shed light on prehistoric human population history in East Eurasian

Newly sequenced high-coverage genomes from middle-Yayoi and initial Jomon individuals in northern Japan reveal distinct genetic profiles, suggesting Yayoi ancestry traces back to Eurasian continental populations. The study highlights a potential adaptation to high-starch diets during both periods, with Yayoi individuals showing amylase gene copy numbers similar to modern East Asians—likely linked to paddy rice agriculture introduced from the continent. Initial Jomon individuals also exhibited high amylase copy numbers, indicating possible early consumption of starch-rich foods. Additionally, demographic differences between the two populations were identified, offering insights into prehistoric migrations, cultural transformations, and genetic links to modern Japanese people.

Ishiya, K., Mizuno, F., Gojobori, J., Kumagai, M., Taniguchi, Y., Kondo, O., Matsushita, M., Matsushita, T., Wang, L., Kurosaki, K., & Ueda, S. (2024). High-coverage genome sequencing of Yayoi and Jomon individuals shed light on prehistoric human population history in East Eurasian. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.08.09.606917