Mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomal stratification in Iran: relationship between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula

A comprehensive review of HVS-I mitochondrial DNA variation of 19 Iranian populations

Iran is located along the Central Asian corridor, a natural artery that has served as a cross-continental route since the first anatomically modern human populations migrated out of Africa. We compiled and reanalyzed the HVS-I (hypervariable segment-I) of 3840 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from 19 Iranian populations and from 26 groups from adjacent countries to give a comprehensive review of the maternal genetic variation and investigate the impact of historical events and cultural factors on the maternal genetic structure of modern Iranians. We conclude that Iranians have a high level of genetic diversity. Thirty-six haplogroups were observed in Iran's populations, and most of them belong to widespread West-Eurasian haplogroups, such as H, HV, J, N, T, and U. In contrast, the predominant haplogroups observed in most of the adjacent countries studied here are H, M, D, R, U, and C haplogroups. Using principal component analysis, clustering, and genetic distance-based calculations, we estimated moderate genetic relationships between Iranian and other Eurasian groups. Further, analyses of molecular variance and comparing geographic and genetic structures indicate that mtDNA HVS-I sequence diversity does not exhibit any sharp geographic structure in the country. Barring a few from some culturally distinct and naturally separated minorities, most Iranian populations have a homogenous maternal genetic structure.

Analysis of maternal genetic structure of mitochondrial DNA control region from Tai-Kadai-speaking Buyei population in southwestern China

BACKGROUND

Even though the Buyei are a recognised ethnic group in southwestern China, there hasn't been much work done on forensic population genetics, notably using mitochondrial DNA. The sequences and haplogroups of mitochondrial DNA control regions of the Buyei peoples were studied to provide support for the establishment of a reference database for forensic DNA analysis in East Asia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of 200 Buyei individuals in Guizhou were investigated. The haplotype frequencies and haplogroup distribution of the Buyei nationality in Guizhou were calculated. At the same time, the paired Fst values of the study population and other populations around the world were computed, to explore their genetic polymorphism and population relationship. A total of 179 haplotypes were detected in the Buyei population, with frequencies of 0.005-0.015. All haplotypes were assigned to 89 different haplogroups. The haplotype diversity and random matching probability were 0.999283 and 0.0063, respectively. The paired Fst genetic distances and correlation p-values among the 54 populations revealed that the Guizhou Buyei was most closely related to the Henan Han and the Guizhou Miao, and closer to the Hazara population in Pakistan and the Chiang Mai population.

CONCLUSIONS

The study of mitochondrial DNA based on the maternal genetic structure of the Buyei nationality in Guizhou will benefit the establishment of an East Asian forensic DNA reference database and provide a reference for anthropological research in the future.

Genetic Analysis of Mingrelians Reveals Long-Term Continuity of Populations in Western Georgia (Caucasus)

To elucidate the population history of the Caucasus, we conducted a survey of genetic diversity in Samegrelo (Mingrelia), western Georgia. We collected DNA samples and genealogical information from 485 individuals residing in 30 different locations, the vast majority of whom being Mingrelian speaking. From these DNA samples, we generated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences for all 485 participants (female and male), Y-short tandem repeat haplotypes for the 372 male participants, and analyzed all samples at nearly 590,000 autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) plus around 33,000 on the sex chromosomes, with 27,000 SNP removed for missingness, using the GenoChip 2.0+ microarray. The resulting data were compared with those from populations from Anatolia, the Caucasus, the Near East, and Europe. Overall, Mingrelians exhibited considerable mtDNA haplogroup diversity, having high frequencies of common West Eurasian haplogroups (H, HV, I, J, K, N1, R1, R2, T, U, and W. X2) and low frequencies of East Eurasian haplogroups (A, C, D, F, and G). From a Y-chromosome standpoint, Mingrelians possessed a variety of haplogroups, including E1b1b, G2a, I2, J1, J2, L, Q, R1a, and R1b. Analysis of autosomal SNP data further revealed that Mingrelians are genetically homogeneous and cluster with other modern-day South Caucasus populations. When compared with ancient DNA samples from Bronze Age archaeological contexts in the broader region, these data indicate that the Mingrelian gene pool began taking its current form at least by this period, probably in conjunction with the formation of a distinct linguistic community.

Genetic analysis of the mitochondrial DNA control region in Tai-Kadai-speaking Dong population in southwest China

BACKGROUND

Dong people in Southwest China are officially recognised as an ethnic group, but there has been a lack of population genetic research on this group, especially based on mitochondrial DNA data.

AIM

To study the sequences and haplogroups of the mitochondrial DNA control region in a typical Dong population, and to provide help for the construction of a forensic mitochondrial DNA analysis reference database in East Asia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The sequences of the mitochondrial DNA control region were analysed in 200 individuals of Dong in Guizhou. The haplotype frequencies, haplogroup distribution and paired Fst values of Guizhou Dong and 51 other populations in the world were calculated and explained to explore the genetic polymorphism and population relationships.

RESULTS

A total of 180 haplotypes were detected, with frequencies of 0.005-0.02. All haplotypes were assigned to 97 different haplogroups. The haplotype diversity and random matching probability were 0.998643 and 0.00635, respectively. The paired Fst values and correlation p values of 52 populations showed that the Guizhou Dong had the closest genetic relationship with the Henan Han and the Guizhou Miao in China, and were closest to the Punjab population in Pakistan and the Kashmiri population when compared with the world populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study was based on the matrilineal genetic structure of Guizhou Dong to study mitochondrial DNA, which was helpful to promote the establishment of the forensic DNA reference database in East Asia and provide reference for anthropological research.

Contrasting maternal and paternal genetic histories among five ethnic groups from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Northwest Pakistan has served as a point of entry to South Asia for different populations since ancient times. However, relatively little is known about the population genetic history of the people residing within this region. To better understand human dispersal in the region within the broader history of the subcontinent, we analyzed mtDNA diversity in 659 and Y-chromosome diversity in 678 individuals, respectively, from five ethnic groups (Gujars, Jadoons, Syeds, Tanolis and Yousafzais), from Swabi and Buner Districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. The mtDNAs of all individuals were subject to control region sequencing and SNP genotyping, while Y-chromosomes were analyzed using 54 SNPs and 19 STR loci. The majority of the mtDNAs belonged to West Eurasian haplogroups, with the rest belonging to either South or East Asian lineages. Four of the five Pakistani populations (Gujars, Jadoons, Syeds, Yousafzais) possessed strong maternal genetic affinities with other Pakistani and Central Asian populations, whereas one (Tanolis) did not. Four haplogroups (R1a, R1b, O3, L) among the 11 Y-chromosome lineages observed among these five ethnic groups contributed substantially to their paternal genetic makeup. Gujars, Syeds and Yousafzais showed strong paternal genetic affinities with other Pakistani and Central Asian populations, whereas Jadoons and Tanolis had close affinities with Turkmen populations from Central Asia and ethnic groups from northeast India. We evaluate these genetic data in the context of historical and archeological evidence to test different hypotheses concerning their origins and biological relationships.

The mitochondrial DNA control region sequences from the Chinese Sui population of southwestern China

BACKGROUND

Sui people are officially recognised people living in southwest China, but there has been a lack of genetic research, especially based on mitochondrial DNA data.

AIM

To study the sequences and haplogroups of the mitochondrial DNA control region in a typical Sui population, with the aim of helping to promote the establishment of a forensic DNA analysis reference database in East Asia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We analysed 201 Sui individuals and observed the sequences of the mitochondrial DNA control region. We calculated and explained the haplotype frequencies, haplogroup distribution and pairwise Fst values between the Sui and 47 other populations in the world, in order to explore genetic polymorphisms and population relationships.

RESULTS

161 haplotypes were found in the Sui population, with frequencies of 0.0049-0.0199. All samples were assigned to 80 different haplogroups. The haplotype diversity and random matching probability were 0.999938 and 0.024729, respectively. The pairwise Fst values and correlation p-values of 48 populations showed that the Sui population was most closely related to the Miao population in Guizhou and the Han population in Henan, and closer to the Punjab population and Pukhtunkhwa population in Pakistan, and was significantly different from the other 43 groups. Compared with the other 43 groups, it is relatively isolated.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the study of mitochondrial DNA based on the analysis of matrilineal genetic structure of the Sui population can help to promote the establishment of a forensic DNA reference database in East Asia and provide reference for future anthropological research.

Exchanging fluids The sociocultural implications of microbial, cultural, and ethnic admixture in Latin America

Knowledge of evolutionary influences on patterns of human mating, social interactions, and differential health is increasing, yet these insights have rarely been applied to historical analyses of human population dynamics. The genetic and evolutionary forces behind biases in interethnic mating and in the health of individuals of different ethnic groups in Latin America and the Caribbean since the European colonization of America are still largely ignored. We discuss how historical and contemporary sociocultural interactions and practices are strongly influenced by population-level evolutionary forces. Specifically, we discuss the historical implications of functional (de facto) polygyny, sex-biased admixture, and assortative mating in Latin America. We propose that these three evolutionary mechanisms influenced mating patterns, shaping the genetic and cultural landscape across Latin America and the Caribbean. Further, we discuss how genetic differences between the original populations that migrated at different times into Latin America contributed to their accommodation to and survival in the different local ecologies and interethnic interactions. Relevant medical and social implications follow from the genetic and cultural changes reviewed.

Evaluation of the Ion AmpliSeq™ PhenoTrivium Panel: MPS-Based Assay for Ancestry and Phenotype Predictions Challenged by Casework Samples

As the field of forensic DNA analysis has started to transition from genetics to genomics, new methods to aid in crime scene investigations have arisen. The development of informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers has led the forensic community to question if DNA can be a reliable "eye-witness" and whether the data it provides can shed light on unknown perpetrators. We have developed an assay called the Ion AmpliSeq™ PhenoTrivium Panel, which combines three groups of markers: 41 phenotype- and 163 ancestry-informative autosomal SNPs together with 120 lineage-specific Y-SNPs. Here, we report the results of testing the assay's sensitivity and the predictions obtained for known reference samples. Moreover, we present the outcome of a blind study performed on real casework samples in order to understand the value and reliability of the information that would be provided to police investigators. Furthermore, we evaluated the accuracy of admixture prediction in Converge™ Software. The results show the panel to be a robust and sensitive assay which can be used to analyze casework samples. We conclude that the combination of the obtained predictions of phenotype, biogeographical ancestry, and male lineage can serve as a potential lead in challenging police investigations such as cold cases or cases with no suspect.

Distinct genetic variation and heterogeneity of the Iranian population

Iran, despite its size, geographic location and past cultural influence, has largely been a blind spot for human population genetic studies. With only sparse genetic information on the Iranian population available, we pursued its genome-wide and geographic characterization based on 1021 samples from eleven ethnic groups. We show that Iranians, while close to neighboring populations, present distinct genetic variation consistent with long-standing genetic continuity, harbor high heterogeneity and different levels of consanguinity, fall apart into a cluster of similar groups and several admixed ones and have experienced numerous language adoption events in the past. Our findings render Iran an important source for human genetic variation in Western and Central Asia, will guide adequate study sampling and assist the interpretation of putative disease-implicated genetic variation. Given Iran's internal genetic heterogeneity, future studies will have to consider ethnic affiliations and possible admixture.

The evolutionary genetics of lactase persistence in seven ethnic groups across the Iranian plateau

Background

The ability to digest dietary lactose is associated with lactase persistence (LP) in the intestinal lumen in human. The genetic basis of LP has been investigated in many populations in the world. Iran has a long history of pastoralism and the daily consumption of dairy products; thus, we aim to assess how LP has evolved in the Iranian population. We recruited 400 adult individuals from seven Iranian ethnic groups, from whom we investigated their lactose tolerance and screened the genetic variants in their lactase gene locus.

Results

The LP frequency distribution ranged from 0 to 29.9% in the seven Iranian ethnic groups with an average value of 9.8%. The variants, − 13910*T and − 22018*A, were significantly associated with LP phenotype in Iranians. We found no evidence of hard selective sweep for − 13910*T and − 22018*A in Persians, the largest ethnic group of Iran. The extremely low frequency of − 13915*G in the Iranian population challenged the view that LP distribution in Iran resulted from the demic diffusion, especially mediated by the spread of Islam, from the Arabian Peninsula.

Conclusions

Our results indicate the distribution of LP in seven ethnic groups across the Iranian plateau. Soft selective sweep rather than hard selective sweep played a substantial role in the evolution of LP in Iranian populations.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40246-019-0195-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Neolithic phylogenetic continuity inferred from complete mitochondrial DNA sequences in a tribal population of Southern India

The subsequent human migrations that dispersed out of Africa, both prehistoric and historic and colonization of India by modern humans is unanimous, and phylogeny of major mitochondrial DNA haplogroups have played a key role in assessing the genetic origin of people of India. To address more such events, complete mitogenomes of 113 Melakudiya tribe of Southern India were sequenced and 46 individuals showed the presence of west Eurasian autochthonous haplogroups HV14 and U7. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two novel subclades HV14a1b and HV14a1b1 and sequences representing haplogroup U7 were included under previously described subclade U7a3a1a2* specific to India. Moreover, the present analysis on complete mtDNA reveals addition information of the spread and distribution of west Eurasian haplogroups in southern India, in tracing an unexplored genetic link between Melakudiya tribe with the people of Iranian Plateau, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Coalescence ages of HV14 and U7a3a1a2* trees in the present study dates ~ 16.1 ± 4.3 and ~ 13.4 ± 5.6 kya respectively.

Genetic diversity in Svaneti and its implications for the human settlement of the Highland Caucasus

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we characterized genetic diversity in the Svans from northwestern Georgia to better understand the phylogeography of their genetic lineages, determine whether genetic diversity in the highland South Caucasus has been shaped by language or geography, and assess whether Svan genetic diversity was structured by regional residence patterns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed mtDNA and Y-chromosome variation in 184 individuals from 13 village districts and townlets located throughout the region. For all individuals, we analyzed mtDNA diversity through control region sequencing, and, for males, we analyzed Y-chromosome diversity through SNP and STR genotyping. The resulting data were compared with those for populations from the Caucasus and Middle East.

RESULTS

We observed significant mtDNA heterogeneity in Svans, with haplogroups U1-U7, H, K, and W6 being common there. By contrast, ∼78% of Svan males belonged to haplogroup G2a, with the remainder falling into four other haplogroups (J2a1, I2, N, and R1a). While showing a distinct genetic profile, Svans also clustered with Caucasus populations speaking languages from different families, suggesting a deep common ancestry for all of them. The mtDNA data were not structured by geography or linguistic affiliation, whereas the NRY data were influenced only by geography.

DISCUSSION

These patterns of genetic variation confirm a complex set of geographic sources and settlement phases for the Caucasus highlands. Such patterns may also reflect social and cultural practices in the region. The high frequency and antiquity of Y-chromosome haplogroup G2a in this region further points to its emergence there.

West Eurasian mtDNA lineages in India: an insight into the spread of the Dravidian language and the origins of the caste system

There is no indication from the previous mtDNA studies that west Eurasian-specific subclades have evolved within India and played a role in the spread of languages and the origins of the caste system. To address these issues, we have screened 14,198 individuals (4208 from this study) and analyzed 112 mitogenomes (41 new sequences) to trace west Eurasian maternal ancestry. This has led to the identification of two autochthonous subhaplogroups--HV14a1 and U1a1a4, which are likely to have originated in the Dravidian-speaking populations approximately 10.5-17.9 thousand years ago (kya). The carriers of these maternal lineages might have settled in South India during the time of the spread of the Dravidian language. In addition to this, we have identified several subsets of autochthonous U7 lineages, including U7a1, U7a2b, U7a3, U7a6, U7a7, and U7c, which seem to have originated particularly in the higher-ranked caste populations in relatively recent times (2.6-8.0 kya with an average of 5.7 kya). These lineages have provided crucial clues to the differentiation of the caste system that has occurred during the recent past and possibly, this might have been influenced by the Indo-Aryan migration. The remaining west Eurasian lineages observed in the higher-ranked caste groups, like the Brahmins, were found to cluster with populations who possibly arrived from west Asia during more recent times.

Arab gene geography: From population diversities to personalized medical genomics

Genetic disorders are not equally distributed over the geography of the Arab region. While a number of disorders have a wide geographical presence encompassing 10 or more Arab countries, almost half of these disorders occur in a single Arab country or population. Nearly, one-third of the genetic disorders in Arabs result from congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities, which are also responsible for a significant proportion of neonatal and perinatal deaths in Arab populations. Strikingly, about two-thirds of these diseases in Arab patients follow an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. High fertility rates together with increased consanguineous marriages, generally noticed in Arab populations, tend to increase the rates of genetic and congenital abnormalities. Many of the nearly 500 genes studied in Arab people revealed striking spectra of heterogeneity with many novel and rare mutations causing large arrays of clinical outcomes. In this review we provided an overview of Arab gene geography, and various genetic abnormalities in Arab populations, including disorders of blood, metabolic, circulatory and neoplasm, and also discussed their associated molecules or genes responsible for the cause of these disorders. Although studying Arab-specific genetic disorders resulted in a high value knowledge base, approximately 35% of genetic diseases in Arabs do not have a defined molecular etiology. This is a clear indication that comprehensive research is required in this area to understand the molecular pathologies causing diseases in Arab populations.

Increased efficiency in geographic ancestry assignment and human identification by combining lineage profiles: The case of the Iranians

OBJECTIVES

This research is a first empirical attempt to quantify the increase of the among-groups variance and the probative value of a DNA evidence when combining profiles based on markers with uniparental inheritance.

METHODS

Yfiler and HVS-I panels of loci were analyzed in 130 healthy unrelated males from six Iranian native groups.

RESULTS

A separate analysis of DNA profiles at the two lineage markers failed to detect a population substructure, whereas maximum levels of genetic diversity (HD = 1) and discrimination capacity (DC = 1) were obtained by combining the two profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

When combined, the forensic efficiency of routinely used panels of lineage markers can be largely sufficient to resolve cases of geographic ancestry and human identification even in genetically homogeneous populations.

Complete mitochondrial DNA diversity in Iranians

Due to its pivotal geographical location and proximity to transcontinental migratory routes, Iran has played a key role in subsequent migrations, both prehistoric and historic, between Africa, Asia and Europe. To shed light on the genetic structure of the Iranian population as well as on the expansion patterns and population movements which affected this region, the complete mitochondrial genomes of 352 Iranians were obtained. All Iranian populations studied here exhibit similarly high diversity values comparable to the other groups from the Caucasus, Anatolia and Europe. The results of AMOVA and MDS analyses did not associate any regional and/or linguistic group of populations in the Anatolia/Caucasus and Iran region pointing to close genetic positions of Persians and Qashqais to each other and to Armenians, and Azeris from Iran to Georgians. By reconstructing the complete mtDNA phylogeny of haplogroups R2, N3, U1, U3, U5a1g, U7, H13, HV2, HV12, M5a and C5c we have found a previously unexplored genetic connection between the studied Iranian populations and the Arabian Peninsula, India, Near East and Europe, likely the result of both ancient and recent gene flow. Our results for Persians and Qashqais point to a continuous increase of the population sizes from ∼24 kya to the present, although the phase between 14-24 kya is thought to be hyperarid according to the Gulf Oasis model. Since this would have affected hunter-gatherer ranges and mobility patterns and forced them to increasingly rely on coastal resources, this transition can explain the human expansion across the Persian Gulf region.

First insights into the metagenome of Egyptian mummies using next-generation sequencing

We applied, for the first time, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology on Egyptian mummies. Seven NGS datasets obtained from five randomly selected Third Intermediate to Graeco-Roman Egyptian mummies (806 BC-124AD) and two unearthed pre-contact Bolivian lowland skeletons were generated and characterised. The datasets were contrasted to three recently published NGS datasets obtained from cold-climate regions, i.e. the Saqqaq, the Denisova hominid and the Alpine Iceman. Analysis was done using one million reads of each newly generated or published dataset. Blastn and megablast results were analysed using MEGAN software. Distinct NGS results were replicated by specific and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols in ancient DNA dedicated laboratories. Here, we provide unambiguous identification of authentic DNA in Egyptian mummies. The NGS datasets showed variable contents of endogenous DNA harboured in tissues. Three of five mummies displayed a human DNA proportion comparable to the human read count of the Saqqaq permafrost-preserved specimen. Furthermore, a metagenomic signature unique to mummies was displayed. By applying a "bacterial fingerprint", discrimination among mummies and other remains from warm areas outside Egypt was possible. Due to the absence of an adequate environment monitoring, a bacterial bloom was identified when analysing different biopsies from the same mummies taken after a lapse of time of 1.5 years. Plant kingdom representation in all mummy datasets was unique and could be partially associated with their use in embalming materials. Finally, NGS data showed the presence of Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii DNA sequences, indicating malaria and toxoplasmosis in these mummies. We demonstrate that endogenous ancient DNA can be extracted from mummies and serve as a proper template for the NGS technique, thus, opening new pathways of investigation for future genome sequencing of ancient Egyptian individuals.

Y-chromosome variation in Tajiks and Iranians

AIM

The purpose of this study was to characterize Y-chromosome diversity in Tajiks from Tajikistan and in Persians and Kurds from Iran.

METHOD

Y-chromosome haplotypes were identified in 40 Tajiks, 77 Persians and 25 Kurds, using 12 short tandem repeats (STR) and 18 binary markers.

RESULTS

High genetic diversity was observed in the populations studied. Six of 12 haplogroups were common in Persians, Kurds and Tajiks, but only three haplogroups (G-M201, J-12f2 and L-M20) were the most frequent in all populations, comprising together ~60% of the Y-chromosomes in the pooled data set. Analysis of genetic distances between Y-STR haplotypes revealed that the Kurds showed a great distance to the Iranian-speaking populations of Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The presence of Indian-specific haplogroups L-M20, H1-M52 and R2a-M124 in both Tajik samples from Afghanistan and Tajikistan demonstrates an apparent genetic affinity between Tajiks from these two regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the marked similarities between Y-chromosome gene pools of Iranian-speaking populations, there are differences between them, defined by many factors, including geographic and linguistic relationships.

Ancient migratory events in the Middle East: new clues from the Y-chromosome variation of modern Iranians

Knowledge of high resolution Y-chromosome haplogroup diversification within Iran provides important geographic context regarding the spread and compartmentalization of male lineages in the Middle East and southwestern Asia. At present, the Iranian population is characterized by an extraordinary mix of different ethnic groups speaking a variety of Indo-Iranian, Semitic and Turkic languages. Despite these features, only few studies have investigated the multiethnic components of the Iranian gene pool. In this survey 938 Iranian male DNAs belonging to 15 ethnic groups from 14 Iranian provinces were analyzed for 84 Y-chromosome biallelic markers and 10 STRs. The results show an autochthonous but non-homogeneous ancient background mainly composed by J2a sub-clades with different external contributions. The phylogeography of the main haplogroups allowed identifying post-glacial and Neolithic expansions toward western Eurasia but also recent movements towards the Iranian region from western Eurasia (R1b-L23), Central Asia (Q-M25), Asia Minor (J2a-M92) and southern Mesopotamia (J1-Page08). In spite of the presence of important geographic barriers (Zagros and Alborz mountain ranges, and the Dasht-e Kavir and Dash-e Lut deserts) which may have limited gene flow, AMOVA analysis revealed that language, in addition to geography, has played an important role in shaping the nowadays Iranian gene pool. Overall, this study provides a portrait of the Y-chromosomal variation in Iran, useful for depicting a more comprehensive history of the peoples of this area as well as for reconstructing ancient migration routes. In addition, our results evidence the important role of the Iranian plateau as source and recipient of gene flow between culturally and genetically distinct populations.

The quiet and controversial: Ural family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The absence of lateral gene exchange is a characteristic feature defining the genome evolution and clonal population structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Certain of its lineages have justly attracted more attention due to their global dissemination and/or remarkable pathogenic properties. In this critical review, I discuss the population structure and genetic geography of the less 'popular' but in some aspects no less noteworthy M. tuberculosis lineage, Ural family. Its specific signature was initially defined by single copy in MIRU26, and large (>6) copy number in MIRU10 loci, and by 43-spoligotyping as absence of signals 29-31 and 33-36. Here, I suggest to subdivide Ural strains with present and absent spoligosignal 2 into primary Ural-1 and secondary Ural-2 sublineages, respectively, while 1 copy in MIRU26 is specific of Ural-1. Furthermore, three copies were recently described in MIRU10 in Ural-1 strains which highlights a high diversity of this locus in Ural genotype. The data on the two Ural sublineages were extracted from SpolDB4 database and original publications in order to trace their distribution at global and within-country levels. Importantly, the rigorous reanalysis suggested the true rate of the Ural genotype in the Ural area in Russia to be only 7%. In contrast, the frequencies of the Ural sublineages peak elsewhere: in South Ukraine and Georgia/Abkhazia (Ural-1, up to 14-19%), and in southwestern Iran (Ural-2, up to 26%). However, as this name is used since 2005, it seems most parsimonious to continue its use even if misleading. The forest graph was built on the available spoligoprofiles of Ural family strains from Eurasia. It helped to suggest routes of their primary dispersal that are discussed in the context of the known human migrations also influenced by natural barriers. The north/east Pontic area may have been an area of origin and primary dispersal of the Ural (Ural-1) genotype in Eurasia, whereas political and natural borders may have influenced its subsequent dissemination throughout Central Asia. Studies of phenotypic properties in different models, comparison with host genetics give evidence that the Ural family strains are not associated with increased capacity to acquire drug resistance, pathogenicity or transmissibility. Instead since Ural family is rather moderately widespread in Eurasia beyond the hypothesized areas of origin, this situation may be a result of its low contagiosity as a consequence of long-term co-adaptation with human host. Future research should be focused on whole-genome sequencing in order to identify Ural-specific SNP and/or deletion, to resolve its phylogenetic and phylogeographic uncertainty and to elucidate biological features underlying its circulation and co-evolution with the human species.