Unveiling the Genetic History of the Maniq, a primary hunter-gatherer society

The Maniq of southern Thailand is one of the last remaining practicing hunter-gatherer communities in the world. However, our knowledge on their genetic origins and demographic history is still largely limited. We present here the genotype data covering ∼2.3 million single nucleotide polymorphisms of 11 unrelated Maniq individuals. Our analyses reveal the Maniq to be closely related to the Semang populations of Malaysia (Malay Negritos), who altogether carry an Andamanese-related ancestry linked to the ancient Hòabìnhian hunter-gatherers of Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA). Moreover, the Maniq possess ∼35% East Asian-related ancestry, likely brought about by recent admixture with surrounding agriculturist communities in the region. In addition, the Maniq exhibit one of the highest levels of genetic differentiation found among living human populations, indicative of their small population size and historical practice of endogamy. Similar to other hunter-gatherer populations of MSEA, we also find the Maniq to possess low levels of Neanderthal ancestry and undetectable levels of Denisovan ancestry. Altogether, we reveal the Maniq to be a Semang group that experienced intense genetic drift and exhibits signs of ancient Hòabìnhian ancestry.

Distribution of cytokine gene polymorphisms in six Orang Asli subgroups in Peninsular Malaysia

Cytokines are involved in immune responses and the pathogenesis of various diseases. Allelic variations within the genes coding for various ∼30 kDa cytokine protein/glycoproteins have been reported for many populations and have been the subjects of many ancestry and health analyses. In this study, we typed 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 13 cytokine genes of 165 Orang Asli individuals by using sequence specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) assay. The volunteers came from all across the Peninsular of Malaysia and belong to six Orang Asli subgroups; Batek, Kensiu, Lanoh, Che Wong, Semai and Orang Kanaq. Here we report our general findings and original genotype data and their associated analyses (Hardy-Weinberg proportions, estimation of allele and haplotype frequencies) can be found in the supplementary files and will be held at Allele Frequency Net Database (AFND).