Evolutionary relationships of human populations from an analysis of nuclear DNA polymorphisms

The genetic relationships of human populations have been studied by comparing gene frequency data for protein and blood-group loci of different populations. DNA analysis now promises to be more informative since not only do the DNA coding sequences have more variation than their corresponding protei...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNature (London) Vol. 319; no. 6053; p. 491
Main Authors Wainscoat, J S, Hill, A V, Boyce, A L, Flint, J, Hernandez, M, Thein, S L, Old, J M, Lynch, J R, Falusi, A G, Weatherall, D J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 06.02.1986
Subjects
Alleles
Animals
Biological Evolution
Cell Nucleus - analysis
DNA - genetics
DNA Restriction Enzymes
Ethnic Groups
Genes
Genetic Linkage
Globins - genetics
Haplorhini - genetics
Humans
Polymorphism, Genetic
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Summary:The genetic relationships of human populations have been studied by comparing gene frequency data for protein and blood-group loci of different populations. DNA analysis now promises to be more informative since not only do the DNA coding sequences have more variation than their corresponding proteins but, in addition, noncoding DNA sequences display more extensive polymorphism. We have now studied the frequency of a group of closely linked nuclear DNA polymorphisms (haplotypes) in the beta-globin gene cluster of normal (beta A) chromosomes of individuals from eight diverse populations. We have found that all non-African populations share a limited number of common haplotypes whereas Africans have predominantly a different haplotype not found in other populations. Genetic distance analysis based on these nuclear DNA polymorphisms indicates a major division of human populations into an African and a Eurasian group.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/319491a0