In a groundbreaking study, researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have unveiled a detailed examination of Europe's genetic landscape, with a particular focus on the diverse ancestries of individuals living in the UK. This research is poised to significantly enhance our understanding of genetic predispositions to various diseases, offering new avenues for health studies.
Led by experts from the RCSI School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences and the SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, the study has been published in a prestigious scientific journal. The research utilized the UK Biobank, a comprehensive repository containing genetic and health data from over half a million UK participants, to explore population genetics and ancestry across Europe.
The study concentrated on the genetic data of UK Biobank participants who reported European birthplaces outside the UK, accounting for approximately 1% of the dataset. By identifying shared genomic segments among these individuals, researchers were able to trace common ancestors dating back 3,000 years. This analysis allowed them to classify individuals into three distinct genetic branches: southern, central-eastern, and northwestern Europe.
Through this genomic sharing analysis, the study inferred historical population dynamics and the extent of genetic isolation in various European regions. The findings indicated that southern Europeans generally exhibited fewer genetic similarities due to larger population sizes and a more extensive ancestral pool. However, Malta stood out as an exception, attributed to its island status and smaller ancestral pool. This represents the first comprehensive analysis of Maltese population genetics, highlighting the potential to uncover genetic factors associated with diseases in isolated regions.
Implications for Genetic Research
This study not only broadens the current understanding of European genetics but also underscores the UK Biobank's value as a resource for exploring diverse ancestries beyond the UK. This could be particularly beneficial for researchers focusing on specific communities or regions worldwide.
Professor Gianpiero Cavalleri, a senior author of the study, highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that the research showcases the diverse European ancestries within the UK Biobank and offers a comprehensive perspective on Europe's genetic landscape. He suggested that similar insights could be obtained from non-European ancestry groups using the UK Biobank, which are often underrepresented in genetic studies.
The extensive sample size and detailed participant information in the UK Biobank have facilitated a nuanced understanding of genetic histories across Europe. As new sequencing data becomes available, this research sets the stage for analyzing rare and functional genetic variations in the UK and beyond.
This research was made possible through the publicly accessible UK Biobank resource and received support from the NUI Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Sciences and Engineering, along with Science Foundation Ireland, through the FutureNeuro Research Centre and the Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science.