A genomic analysis identifies a novel component in the genetic structure of sub-Saharan African populations
A genomic analysis identifies a novel component in the genetic structure of sub-Saharan African populations
Citació
- Sikora M, Laayouni H, Calafell F, Comas D, Bertranpetit J. A genomic analysis identifies a novel component in the genetic structure of sub-Saharan African populations. European Journal of Human Genetics. 2011;19:84-8. DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2010.141
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Resum
Studies of large sets of SNP data have proven to be a powerful tool in the analysis of the genetic structure of human populations. In this work, we analyze genotyping data for 2,841 SNPs in 12 Sub-Saharan African populations, including a previously unsampled region of south-eastern Africa (Mozambique). We show that robust results in a world-wide perspective can be obtained when analyzing only 1,000 SNPs. Our main results both confirm the results of previous studies, and show new and interesting features in Sub-Saharan African genetic complexity. There is a strong differentiation of Nilo-Saharans, much beyond what would be expected by geography. Hunter-gatherer populations (Khoisan and Pygmies) show a clear distinctiveness with very intrinsic Pygmy (and not only Khoisan) genetic features. Populations of the West Africa present an unexpected similarity among them, possibly the result of a population expansion. Finally, we find a strong differentiation of the south-eastern Bantu population from Mozambique, which suggests an assimilation of a pre-Bantu substrate by Bantu speakers in the region.