Uncovering the Genetic Structure of the Sekler Population in Transylvania Through Genome-Wide Autosomal Data.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

The Seklers are a Hungarian-speaking regional population in Transylvania, Romania, with a long and complex history, yet comprehensive genome-wide studies remain limited. Our aim was to characterize the genetic background of multiple Sekler communities using high-density autosomal data and to place them in a broader Central and Eastern European context.

Methods

Here we analyzed genome-wide autosomal SNP data obtained from 17 Sekler groups. Allele frequency- and haplotype-based approaches were applied to assess overall genetic structure, ancestry patterns, recent shared ancestry, and signals of demographic history.

Results

Analyses based on overall allele-frequency patterns showed that Sekler groups fit into a single, coherent genetic cluster share

SUBMITTER: Szabo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12840628 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature