The Mitochondrial DNA Mitotype of Sainte Marie-Madeleine

Author(s): Gerard Lucotte

We have extracted HVR1 (HyperVariable Region 1) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of Ste Marie-Madeleine (3?-63?) , from one capillary bulb of one of her hairs. These hairs are conserved in a reliquary that is exhibited in the St Maximin basilica. HVR1 sequences show, reproducely twice, nine mutations : 16129G, 16187C, 16189T, 16223C, 16224C, 16230A, 16234T, 16278C and 16311T. The corresponding haplogroup is K, sub-clade K1a1b1a. As this sub-clade is the mtDNA genetic signature of ancient Jews, that confirms the Pharisian maternal origin of Marie-Madeleine indicated in some traditions.

Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup, Marie-Madeleine, mutations in the hypervariable region 1.

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