Description
Mitochondrial haplogroup V3 is a subclade of V found primarily in the western Mediterranean, particularly in Sardinia, Iberia, and North Africa. V3 represents a western European component of the V haplogroup, which as a whole is considered a marker of post-LGM (Last Glacial Maximum) recolonization of Europe from an Iberian refugium. V3 is found at notably elevated frequencies in Sardinians (3–5%) and some Iberian populations (1–3%), reflecting the population history of the western Mediterranean where ancient pre-Neolithic lineages were partially preserved due to geographic isolation, particularly on the island of Sardinia.
Interesting Fact
Sardinia is renowned among geneticists as a 'living museum' of ancient European genetics — its isolated island location helped preserve pre-Neolithic and early Neolithic genetic signatures that have been diluted elsewhere in Europe. V3's elevated presence in Sardinia compared to mainland Europe exemplifies this pattern of genetic conservation through geographic isolation.
Distribution by Ethnicity
| Ethnic distribution | Region | Frequency | Sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sardinians | Southern Europe | n=300 | |
| Basques | Western Europe | n=200 | |
| Spanish / Iberian | Western Europe | n=500 | |
| Moroccans (Berber) | North Africa | n=250 | |
| Portuguese | Western Europe | n=350 | |
| French | Western Europe | n=400 |
Tags
References
- Torroni et al. (1998) — mtDNA analysis reveals a major late Paleolithic population expansion from southwestern to northeastern Europe. American Journal of Human Genetics 62(5), 1137–1152.
- Pala et al. (2012) — Mitochondrial DNA signals of late glacial recolonization of Europe from near eastern refugia. American Journal of Human Genetics 90(5), 915–924.
- Behar et al. (2012) — A copernican reassessment of the human mitochondrial DNA tree from its root. American Journal of Human Genetics 90(4), 675–684.