Description
Haplogroup U3 is a subclade of mtDNA haplogroup U found primarily in the Near East, Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and among Roma populations. It reaches notable frequencies in the Caucasus, Levant, and Turkish populations, and is also present across South and Central Europe at low levels. U3 appears to have originated in the Near East or Caucasus region and spread into Europe primarily during post-glacial period population movements. Ancient DNA has recovered U3 in Mesolithic European hunter-gatherers and later in populations associated with the Copper Age.
Interesting Fact
U3 is disproportionately common among Roma (Romani) people of Europe — like U2, it reflects their South Asian and Near Eastern genetic ancestry, preserved through the relatively endogamous social structure of Roma communities over centuries of migration through the Middle East and into Europe.
Distribution by Ethnicity
| Ethnic distribution | Region | Frequency | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roma (Romani) | Europe | n=400 | |
| Caucasians (general) | Caucasus | n=600 | |
| Turks | West Asia | n=800 | |
| Eastern Europeans | Eastern Europe | n=1500 |
Tags
References
- Malyarchuk et al. (2008) — Mitochondrial DNA variability in Poles and Russians. Annals of Human Genetics 72(2), 261–272.