Himalayan populations have strongest genetic links with Tibet, Siberia, less so with China

The Himalayan populations have strongest of ancestral affinity with Tibet and Siberia but less with China, reported the timesofindia.com Jan 31, citing a recent DNA study presented at an ongoing international conference. A recent DNA study on Himalayan populations reveals the strongest genetic ties with Tibet and Siberia, while links to China are relatively weaker, the report said, citing Rakesh Tamang, a Himalayan gene expert from the Calcutta University.

Tamang’s finding has highlighted the fact that the MYBPC3 gene, a major contributor to heart attacks in South Asia, is almost absent in Himalayan populations, translating to a lower risk of heart attacks linked to this gene.

He has revealed his finding in a lecture he delivered on the second day of an ongoing international conference ICAB-2026 at Banaras Hindu University, where he presented the findings of his DNA study on the people of the Himalayan region.

Read more