Y-Chromosome Differentiation in Northwest Africa

Document Type

Article

Authors

Carlos Flores, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, E-38271 Tenerife, Spain.
Nicole Maca-Meyer, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, E-38271 Tenerife, Spain.
José A. Pérez, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, E-38271 Tenerife, Spain.
Mariano Hernández, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, E-38271 Tenerife, Spain.
Vicente M. Cabrera, Departamento de Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, E-38271 Tenerife, Spain.

Abstract

Variation of seven Y-chromosomal DNA polymorphisms, one microsatellite (DYS19), and six biallelic markers (DYS287, DYS271, SRY- 2627, SRY-1532, 92R7, and M9), were studied in males from Northwest Africa. To evaluate the degree of differentiation in this region, males from neighboring areas such as the Iberian Peninsula and sub-Saharan Africa were also typed. The results show a large number of paternal lineages of Northwest African origin (over 75%), supporting a long-term population continuity in the area. When the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed both on the microsatellite and biallelic marker combinations or haplogroups, a large degree of differentiation among areas was revealed. In spite of these geographic differences, some gene flow between areas was detected by the presence of haplogroups with other geographical origins.

Recommended Citation

Flores, Carlos; Maca-Meyer, Nicole; Pérez, José A.; Hernández, Mariano; and Cabrera, Vicente M. (2001) "Y-Chromosome Differentiation in Northwest Africa," Human Biology: Vol. 73: Iss. 4, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol73/iss4/2