rs1558843: Understanding Your Y-Chromosome Paternal Lineage
The rs1558843 variant is a single-nucleotide polymorphism located on the human Y chromosome. It serves as a genetic marker used by researchers and genealogists to define specific clades within Haplogroup R, aiding in the tracing of paternal lineages.
What each genotype means
Haplogroup R paternal lineage
This genotype is a defining marker for Y-chromosome Haplogroup R, a major paternal lineage. Because this variant is located on the Y chromosome, it is only present in individuals with a Y chromosome and is passed from father to son.
This genotype is found in high frequency across many European populations as part of the common Haplogroup R lineage.
Ancestral paternal lineage
This genotype represents the ancestral state for this position on the Y chromosome, indicating the individual does not carry the specific mutation that defines Haplogroup R. This marker is used in paternal lineage tracing to distinguish between different branches of the human Y-chromosome tree.
The frequency of this ancestral allele varies significantly by geographic region and specific paternal ancestry.
What is rs1558843?
The rs1558843 variant, also known in genealogical circles by the name M306, is a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) found on the Y chromosome. Because the Y chromosome is passed down from father to son with very little recombination, these markers are highly stable over many generations. This stability makes Y-SNPs like rs1558843 powerful tools for mapping human history. By identifying which version of this SNP an individual carries, researchers can determine if they belong to specific branches of the human family tree. It is not a gene that codes for physical traits or health conditions, but rather a structural landmark on the Y chromosome that helps scientists categorize paternal ancestry into distinct groups known as haplogroups.
The Role of Haplogroup R
In the context of human population genetics, rs1558843 is one of the defining mutations for Haplogroup R. Haplogroup R is one of the most common Y-chromosome lineages found in Europe and has been extensively studied to understand ancient migration patterns. The presence of the 'A' allele at this position is a hallmark of this clade. Because this marker is inherited along the paternal line, it acts as a signpost for a shared common ancestor among men who carry it. While the SNP itself does not influence health or disease, its association with Haplogroup R allows genealogists to connect individuals to broader historical populations. It is a purely ancestral marker, providing a window into the deep-time movements of human groups rather than providing information about an individual's personal health or physical characteristics.
Evidence and Research Context
The evidence supporting the use of rs1558843 as a marker for Haplogroup R is well-established in the field of molecular anthropology. Research published in journals such as the 'Y-Chromosome Tree' studies has confirmed that this SNP is a high-confidence marker for identifying specific clades. Unlike variants associated with medical conditions, which are often studied for their impact on biological function, rs1558843 is studied for its utility in phylogenetic classification. The evidence strength for its role in lineage tracing is considered moderate to high within the genealogical community, as it reliably distinguishes between different branches of the Y-DNA tree. It is not listed in clinical databases like ClinVar as a cause of disease, reinforcing its status as a tool for ancestry research rather than clinical diagnostics.
Population Frequency and Distribution
The frequency of rs1558843 is entirely dependent on the population's ancestral history, as it is specific to the Y-chromosome lineages that define Haplogroup R. Because it is a Y-linked marker, it is only present in individuals who carry a Y chromosome. Its prevalence varies significantly across the globe, being highly common in populations with significant European ancestry where Haplogroup R is dominant, and rare or absent in populations where other haplogroups are more prevalent. There is no 'normal' frequency for the general human population, as the distribution is strictly tied to the geographic history of the paternal line. Genetic databases like gnomAD and the 1000 Genomes Project provide data on such variants, but for Y-SNPs, the frequency is best understood through the lens of regional haplogroup distribution maps.
What This Information Means for You
If you have received results for rs1558843, it is important to understand that this information is strictly for genealogical and ancestral interest. You cannot use this variant to predict health outcomes, assess disease risk, or determine physical traits. Because it is a non-coding, intergenic marker on the Y chromosome, it has no known biological function that would affect your well-being. If you are interested in your paternal heritage, this SNP can help you confirm your membership in a specific branch of the human family tree. However, it is not a medical test. If you have concerns about your health or genetic predispositions, you should consult with a qualified healthcare provider or a genetic counselor. This variant is a tool for exploring your past, not a guide for your future health.
How common is this variant?
The frequency of rs1558843 is clade-specific, meaning it is common in populations where Haplogroup R is prevalent and absent in those where it is not.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs1558843 linked to any diseases?
No, rs1558843 is a Y-chromosome marker used for ancestry tracing and has no known association with any medical conditions or diseases.
Can women have the rs1558843 variant?
No, because rs1558843 is located on the Y chromosome, it is only present in individuals who carry a Y chromosome, which is typically biological males.
How do I find my haplogroup using this SNP?
You can identify your haplogroup by checking your raw genetic data for the rs1558843 result and comparing it to established Y-DNA phylogenetic trees, such as those provided by genealogical DNA testing services.
Is this SNP the same as M306?
Yes, M306 is an alternative name for the rs1558843 SNP. Both terms refer to the same specific location on the Y chromosome used to define branches of Haplogroup R.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/18/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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