Population Genetic Analysis among Five Indian Population Groups Using Six Microsatellite Markers

Document Type

Article

Authors

Anu Ghosh, Low Level Radiation Studies Section, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India.
Birajalaxmi Das, Low Level Radiation Studies Section, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India.
M. Seshadri, Low Level Radiation Studies Section, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400 085, India.

Abstract

Genetic variation at six tetranucleotide microsatellites (HUMTHO1, HUMVWA, F13A01, D3S1359, D12S66, and D12S67) has been determined in five endogamous ethnic population groups of India belonging to two major linguistic families. The populations analyzed were Konkanastha Brahmins and Marathas (Maharashtra state) from the Indo- Aryan linguistic family and Nairs, Ezhavas, and Muslims (Kerala state) from the Dravidian family. All six loci show high gene diversity, ranging from 0.63 ± 0.04 to 0.84 ± 0.02. The average GST value observed was 1.7%, indicating that the differences between the populations account for less than 2% of the diversity, while the genetic variation is high within the five population groups studied (>98%). The phylogenetic tree fails to show any clear cluster. The absence of any cluster along with low average GST is suggestive of substantial genetic similarity among the studied populations, in spite of clear geographical, linguistic, and cultural barriers. This similarity indicates either a greater gene flow between these groups or, alternatively, may reflect a recent evolution for them, considering that the Indian caste system evolved only about 3000 years ago.

Recommended Citation

Ghosh, Anu; Das, Birajalaxmi; and Seshadri, M. (2003) "Population Genetic Analysis among Five Indian Population Groups Using Six Microsatellite Markers," Human Biology: Vol. 75: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol75/iss2/4