Tracing human origin among Orang Asli population in Taman Negara through Y-chromosome variation

Abstract

Orang Asli in Malaysia has different types of culture and belief, which impacted from history of migration centuries ago and they consists of variety sub-ethnic groups. Male samples of 273 Orang Asli descendents from Taman Negara were typed for the four Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) loci consisting DYS 19, DYS 390, DYS 391 and DYS 392. All samples were amplified and analyzed electrophoresis. Allele frequency distribution among the tribe appeared to be imbalance and significant differences were observed in loci DYS 390, DYS 391 and DYS392. The genetic variations on the Y-chromosome of Orang Asli population have been examined in order to investigate the relative contributions of Austronesia and also recent paternal gene flow in their gene pool. Diversity of individual loci ranged from 0.519 to 0.776. After matching criteria of length and homogeneity, all of the loci tested proved to be polymorphic. The greatest single locus diversity among Orang Asli population was quite high, 0.776 and this DYS 390 haplotype marker is unique which can be useful and informative in Y-STR set in order to determine male lineage identification. Overall haplotype diversity was 0.871 (S.D. ± 0.002). There were genetically differences between Bateq and Semoq Beri tribe, but did not display obvious geographical distribution pattern like usually seen for Y-chromosomal variation. A striking feature was seen and discovered where there are high and low Y-chromosomal diversity among Orang Asli population in Taman Negara especially within the Bateq, Semoq Beri and Jahut tribe.