Models, methods and tools for ancestry inference and admixture analysis

Abstract

Background: Genetic admixture refers to the process or consequence of interbreeding between two or more previously isolated populations within a species. Compared to many other evolutionary driving forces such as mutations, genetic drift, and natural selection, genetic admixture is a quick mechanism for shaping population genomic diversity. In particular, admixture results in “recombination” of genetic variants that have been fixed in different populations, which has many evolutionary and medical implications. Results: However, it is challenging to accurately reconstruct population admixture history and to understand of population admixture dynamics. In this review, we provide an overview of models, methods, and tools for ancestry inference and admixture analysis. Conclusions: Many methods and tools used for admixture analysis were originally developed to analyze human data, but these methods can also be directly applied and/or slightly modified to study non-human species as well.