multiancestry

Multiancestry is a term used to describe individuals or populations that derive genetic ancestry from more than one geographical or ancestral source. It reflects historical and ongoing patterns of migration, mating, and admixture that produce genomes containing mixtures of ancestral lineages. In genetics and biomedical research, multiancestry data captures the diversity present in human populations and helps to study how genetic variation relates to traits and disease across different backgrounds.

In genetics, multiancestry approaches improve the generalizability of findings. Ancestry inference estimates global ancestry proportions and local ancestry along the genome, informing imputation, association analyses, and fine-mapping. Multi-ancestry genome-wide association studies combine data across diverse populations to identify variants with broader relevance and to understand how effect sizes differ by ancestry. Admixture mapping and trans-ethnic meta-analysis are common methods. Large multiancestry reference panels and biobanks enable broader representation, but data heterogeneity remains a challenge.

Beyond biology, multiancestry intersects with social and ethical considerations. It acknowledges complex identities and ancestry beyond simple categories, but also raises concerns about privacy, consent, potential misuse of ancestry information, and disparities in research benefits. Responsible use entails transparent communication, robust protections, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

Challenges include accounting for diverse linkage disequilibrium patterns, population stratification, and limited sample sizes for some groups. Ongoing efforts aim to build comprehensive reference panels, standardize analyses, and promote equitable inclusion to ensure that insights from multiancestry research translate into healthcare benefits for all populations.