Y-haplogroup frequencies in the Slovak Romany population

Abstract

European ‘gypsies’, commonly referred to as Romanies, are represented by a large number of groups spread across many countries. We performed a population genetic study on 200 unrelated Romany males to reveal the genetic origin of the Slovak Romany population. On the basis of Y-chromosome haplotypes, we determined the corresponding Y-haplogroups using Whit Athey’s Haplogroup Predictor. The obtained distribution of haplogroups provided strong evidence of Asian origins, especially Indian. The Indian Y-haplogroup H was the most prevalent and represented 40% of all the samples. The distribution of haplogroups was: E1b1b, 21%; J2, 16.5%; I1a, 14%. Haplogroups R1a, R1b, I2a, and N1 were observed in small frequencies. The obtained genetic structure indicated that the endogamous Romany population has been shaped by a genetic drift and differential admixture, and correlates with the migratory history of the Romanies in Europe.