Y-chromosomal diversity of the Valachs from the Czech Republic: Model for isolated population in Central Europe

Abstract

The Moravian Valachs showed a lower genetic variability of Y-STR markers than other Central European populations, resembling more to the isolated Balkan populations (Aromuns, Csango, Bulgarian, and Macedonian Roma) than the surrounding populations (Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Saxons). We illustrated the effect of sampling on Valach paternal lineages, which includes reduction of discrimination capacity and variability inside Y-chromosomal haplogroups.

Valach modal haplotype belongs to R1a haplogroup and it was not detected in the Czech population. The Moravian Valachs display strong substructure and isolation in their Y chromosomal markers.

They represent a unique Central European population model for population genetics.

Keywords

• Y chromosome
• Y-STR
• Moravian Valachs
• Czech population
• Isolation
• Sampling
• Modal haplotype