Successful reconstruction of whole mitochondrial genomes from ancient Central America and Mexico

Researchers successfully reconstructed whole mitochondrial genomes from ancient dental samples, providing the first genetic evidence linking Greater Nicoya and Casas Grandes cultures to contemporary Isthmo-Columbian and Greater Southwest populations. Using advanced mitogenome capture and high-throughput sequencing, the study analyzed 14 samples from northwest Costa Rica (A.D. 800-1250) and Mexico (A.D. 1200-1450), achieving full reconstructions for eight individuals. The findings reveal distinct haplogroups in Greater Nicoya (B2d, associated with Chibchan-speakers) and Casas Grandes (C1c1a, C1c5, B2f, and B2a, linked to North American and Mesoamerican populations). This breakthrough addresses long-standing questions about the genetic affinities of borderland cultures in ancient Mesoamerica.

Morales-Arce, A. Y., Hofman, C. A., Duggan, A. T., Benfer, A. K., Katzenberg, M. A., McCafferty, G., & Warinner, C. (2017). Successful reconstruction of whole mitochondrial genomes from ancient Central America and Mexico. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-18356-0