A genomic analysis identifies a novel component in the genetic structure of sub-Saharan African populations

Studies of large sets of single nucleotide polymorphism (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 2841 SNPs in 12 sub-Saharan African populations, including a previously unsampled region of southeastern Africa (Mozambique). We show that robust results in a world-wide perspective can be obtained when analyzing only 1000 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 southeastern Bantu population from Mozambique, which suggests an assimilation of a pre-Bantu substrate by Bantu speakers in the region.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Sikora, Martin, Laayouni, Hafid, Calafell, Francesc, Comas, David, Bertranpetit, Jaume
Format:	artículo biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	Nature Publishing Group 2011
Subjects:	Population genetics, Africa, Population history,
Online Access:	http://hdl.handle.net/10261/43220
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!