Comparison of mitochondrial DNA polymorphism in Crimean Karaites and Crimean Tatars

Abstract

Relevance. Two related Turkic peoples: Crimean Karaites (Karais) and Crimean Tatars, were formed as ethnic groups on the territory that is currently part of the Russian Federation. To date, the genetic polymorphism of the Karai people has been studied insufficiently.

The aim of this work was to study the polymorphism of human mitochondrial DNA to elucidate the matrilineal origin of the Crimean Karaites and Crimean Tatars.

Materials and Methods. Biological samples from 45 subjects (men and women) were collected for molecular genetic study. For all samples, the HVS1, HVS2, and HVS3 segments of the control region of mtDNA were sequenced, followed by determination of mitotypes and haplogroups. The entire study was performed using a "blind" method – information about the nationality and known family ties of individual subjects was not disclosed until genetic results were obtained.

Results. The existence of several matrilineally related groups of individuals was shown for the studied sample: all control a priori related groups, as well as newly discovered related groups. Ten different mtDNA subhaplogroups were identified for Crimean Karaites and 13 for Crimean Tatars. At the level of mega-haplogroups, four (N1, R0, JT, U) were observed in both Crimean Karaites and Crimean Tatars. A detailed comparison of mitotypes and haplogroups of Crimean Karaites and Crimean Tatars with each other and with the closest mitotypes of representatives of the same and other peoples available in the scientific literature, as well as in the open international databases Empop, FamilyTreeDNA, GeneBank and MITOMAP was also carried out.

Conclusion. The use of mtDNA haplogroup predictors is seen as urgently necessary when performing molecular genetic examinations to identify individuals and verify possible kinship. The unreliability and bias of conclusions of a number of authors, who contrary to the results of their own molecular-genetic studies try to discuss the possibility of "Semitic origin" of the Karaites, is shown. The results obtained by us testify to the genetic closeness and unity of origin of two Turkic peoples – Crimean Tatars and Crimean Karaites.