Biology subjects

Barquera, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Barquera, R..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Exploring the Evolution of the Cariogenic Oral Pathobiont Streptococcus mutans Using Ancient DNA

The oral pathobiont Streptococcus mutans can contribute to dental caries development through metabolism of dietary carbohydrates. Adoption of carbohydrate-rich agricultural diets is associated with increased prevalence of dental caries in archaeological populations; however, the evolutionary impact of changing subsistence strategies on cariogenic microbes like S. mutans remains to be explored. Here, we use a novel hybridization capture reagent to generate genome-wide ancient DNA data from a global set of 75 S. mutans strains spanning the last 8,000 years. Most virulence-associated genes predate the origins of agriculture; however, we highlight loci regulating genetic competence, bacteriocin production, and biofilm formation which are absent in 5 strains from pre-agricultural ancient hunter-gatherers, suggesting that their acquisition may have been associated with adaptation to carbohydrate-rich agricultural diets. Together, our study highlights ancient DNA as a promising tool for exploring the dynamic interplay between subsistence strategy, microbes, and dental pathology in human populations through time.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Tracing social mechanisms and interregional connections in Early Bronze Age Societies in Lower Austria

In this study, we present the results of archaeogenetic investigations of Early Bronze Age individuals from Lower Austria, specifically associated with the Un[e]tice and Unterwolbling cultural groups. Through analysing newly generated genome-wide data of 138 individuals, we explore the social structure and genetic relationships within and between these communities. Our results reveal a predominantly patrilocal society with non-strict female exogamic practices. Additionally, Identity-by-Descent (IBD) analysis detects long-distance genetic connections, emphasizing the complex network of interactions in Central Europe during this period. Despite shared social dynamics, notable genetic distinctions emerge between the Un[e]tice and Unterwolbling groups. These insights contribute to our understanding of Bronze Age population interconnections and call for a nuanced interpretation of social dynamics in this historical context.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2019

Neolithic genomes reveal a distinct ancient HLA allele pool and population transformation in Europe

The Wartberg culture (WBC, 3,500-2,800 BCE) dates to the Late Neolithic period, a time of important demographic and cultural transformations in western Europe. We perform a genome-wide analysis of 42 individuals who were interred in a WBC collective burial in Niedertiefenbach, Germany (3,300-3,200 cal. BCE). Our results highlight that the Niedertiefenbach population indeed emerged at the beginning of the WBC. This farming community was genetically heterogeneous and carried a surprisingly large hunter-gatherer ancestry component (40%). We detect considerable differences in the human leukocyte antigen gene pool between contemporary Europeans and the Niedertiefenbach individuals whose immune response was primarily geared towards defending viral infections.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2018

The genomic landscape of western South America: Andes, Amazonia and Pacific Coast

Studies of Native South American genetic diversity have helped to shed light on the peopling and differentiation of the continent, but available data are sparse for the major ecogeographic domains. These include the Pacific Coast, a potential early migration route; the Andes, home to the most expansive complex societies and to one of the most spoken indigenous language families of the continent (Quechua); and Amazonia, with its understudied population structure and rich cultural diversity. Here we explore the genetic structure of 177 individuals from these three domains, genotyped with the Affymetrix Human Origins array. We infer multiple sources of ancestry within the Native American ancestry component; one with clear predominance on the Coast and in the Andes, and at least two distinct substrates in neighboring Amazonia, with a previously undetected ancestry characteristic of northern Ecuador and Colombia. Amazonian populations are also involved in recent gene-flow with each other and across ecogeographic domains, which does not accord with the traditional view of small, isolated groups. Long distance genetic connections between speakers of the same language family suggest that languages had spread not by cultural contact alone. Finally, Native American populations admixed with post-Columbian European and African sources at different times, with few cases of prolonged isolation. With our results we emphasize the importance of including under-studied regions of the continent in high-resolution genetic studies, and we illustrate the potential of SNP chip arrays for informative regional scale analysis.

genetics↗