The African Origin of mtDNA Haplogroup M1

The aim of this study is to determine the geographical origin of haplogroup M1. Controversy surrounds the origin and expansion of the M1 haplogroup (hg). Some researchers believe that the M1 macrohaplogroup originated in Asia and represents a backflow to Africa, while other researchers believe hg M1 is of African origin. The analysis of M1 clades in Africa and Eurasia illustrate a high frequency for hg M1 in Sub Saharan A frica instead of A sia and the Near East; and the distribution of haplogroups L3(M) and LOd across Sub Saharan Africa dating back to the Sangoan period make a 'back migration' of M1 to Africa highly unlikely.