Genetic Variation of the Basques in Spain
Author Information
Author(s): Young Kristin L., Sun Guangyun, Deka Ranjan, Crawford Michael H.
Primary Institution: University of Kansas Medical Center
Hypothesis
To examine population genetic structure and hypotheses of the origin of the modern Basque population in Spain using autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) data.
Conclusion
The study found that autosomal STR analysis does not support the hypotheses of a recent common ancestor between the Basques and populations from the Caucasus or North Africa.
Supporting Evidence
- Heterozygosity levels in the Basque provinces were on the low end of the European distribution.
- The MDS plot of genetic distances revealed that the Basques differed from both the Caucasian and North African populations.
- Previous studies have shown that the Basques are genetically distinct from other European populations.
Takeaway
The Basques are a unique group of people in Spain, and they don't share a recent common ancestor with people from North Africa or the Caucasus.
Methodology
DNA samples were collected from 652 autochthonous participants in mountain villages, and allele frequencies for 9 autosomal STR loci were determined.
Limitations
Allelic dropout occurred in 21% of the sample, which may affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants were autochthonous individuals claiming 4 Basque grandparents from 27 mountain villages in northern Spain.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.00001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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