Mitochondrial Genome Analysis of the Late Bronze AgeAndronovo Population in Central Tianshan, Xinjiang

The Andronovo culture, which originated from the Sintashta culture, played a significant role in the migration of populations across the Eurasian Steppe. The Tianshan Mountains, situated at the eastern end of Eurasian Steppe, became the main distribution area of Andronovo culture in Xinjiang during the Late Bronze Age. To investigate the genetic structure, genetic diversity, and possible migration routes of the Late Bronze Age Andronovo population, we conducted mitochondrial genome analysis on 12 individuals excavated from the Shihuyao Cemetery in the central Tianshan region of Xinjiang. The results reveal that the Shihuyao population exhibited high genetic diversity and a close genetic affinity with Western Steppe cultural populations, particularly the Sintashta cultural population. Meanwhile, the presence of the South Asian lineage M2c, as well as the Eastern Eurasian lineages C1e and Z1, indicates genetic linkages among the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex populations, the Northern Eurasian populations/indigenous populations, and the Andronovo culture populations. Our findings enhance the understanding of the Andronovo culture’s spread in central Tianshan and its impact on the genetic structure of local populations.