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Haplogroup R-PF6135

Macro-haplogroup
R
Parent clade
R
Formed (estimate)
c. 26,000 - 31,000 years before present (estimate)
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 23,000 - 29,000 years ago (estimate)

Overview

Haplogroup R-PF6135 represents one of the deepest upstream nodes within haplogroup R and captures a phase of Upper Paleolithic population structure that predated the primary bifurcation into R1 and R2. This lineage reflects an early stage of differentiation among north central Eurasian hunter gatherer groups during the final phases of the Pleistocene. PF6135 is not common in modern Y chromosome datasets, yet it remains important for reconstructing the initial diversification of haplogroup R in regions connecting southern Siberia, Central Asia and the northern Iranian Plateau. The appearance of PF6135 in high resolution phylogenetic work underscores the complexity of early R evolution. During this period, groups carrying R-PF6135 likely formed part of a broad meta population that contributed ancestry to later Ancient North Eurasian groups, early West Eurasian lineages and the populations that eventually expanded into Europe and South Asia during the early Holocene. Although direct ancient representatives of PF6135 are not yet securely identified, the developmental context aligns with the same demographic processes that shaped the early nodes in haplogroup P and R.

Geographic distribution

Basal R-PF6135 is not reliably reported in modern populations at significant frequencies. Its legacy is represented through downstream branches R1 and R2. Very rare instances of R-PF6135(xR1,R2) have been reported in Central Asia but require deeper sequencing to validate.

Ancient DNA

  • No confirmed ancient individual has been assigned to R-PF6135, but the lineage sits at a time depth overlapping Upper Paleolithic north Eurasian populations.
  • Genomic signatures associated with Ancient North Eurasians are compatible with the timeframe and regional context of PF6135.
  • Later ancient samples carry R1 or R2 derivatives but ultimately trace back to this upstream backbone.

Phylogeny & subclades

R-PF6135 is positioned upstream of the R1 and R2 divergence. It forms part of the early radiation of R-M207 lineages before the Holocene expansions.

  • Rare unclassified PF6135*
  • Downstream transitions toward R1 and R2

Notes & context

PF6135 is essential for understanding the pre Holocene origin of haplogroup R and offers key phylogenetic resolution for the earliest phases of R diversification.