PhD. Víctor Borda, an associate researcher at the University of Maryland and graduate of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), presented his latest study on the genetic diversity of Peruvians during a virtual conference held on April 28. Borda said, “Urban Peruvians present a high Indigenous American ancestry, along with European, African, and to a lesser extent Asian contributions, as a result of a prolonged process of historical admixture.”
The research is significant for understanding how historical events have shaped the genetic identity of the Peruvian population. According to Borda, studying genetic history helps clarify complex phenotypes and advances knowledge about human diversity.
Borda explained that his team analyzed genomic data from 432 individuals across 13 regions in Peru. He said, “The work analyzed genomic data from 432 individuals from 13 regions of Peru, revealing primarily the predominance of Indigenous American ancestry in urban populations, accompanied by European, African and Asian contributions.” The research also identified a north-south genetic structure inherited from ancestral Indigenous groups that persists in urban areas. “The main events of admixture occurred between eight and twelve generations ago, combining populations that already had previous mixtures. About 70% of Peruvian genetic diversity is indigenous in origin,” he said.
He noted continuous gene flow especially in southern Peru and highlighted significant population growth in Lima driven by internal migration. The study found gender bias during mixing events: more male European contribution and greater female Indigenous heritage.
Borda concluded: “These findings provide a more complete understanding of Peru’s genetic heritage, strengthening knowledge about human diversity and demographic processes in Latin America.” His research was published as “Unraveling the genetic landscape and admixture dynamics of urban populations across Peru” (link) in Communications Biology.
Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos promotes cultural well-being through initiatives supporting responsibility, equity, inclusion and sustainable development according to its official website. The university operates multiple campuses including central facilities and provincial extensions according to its official website. UNMSM leads public universities in rankings such as QS World University Rankings according to its official website. It functions as an autonomous public entity recognized by the constitution according to its official website. UNMSM offers over eighty undergraduate programs plus postgraduate options along with research activities according to its official website. It focuses on advancing knowledge dissemination for national sustainable development according to its official website, holding top positions among public universities globally while promoting academic programs, research engagement and community outreach according to its official website.
