Microsatellite data support subpopulation structuring among Basques.
Genomic diversity based on 13 short tandem repeat (STR) loci (D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, TH01, TPOX, and CSF1PO) is reported for the first time in Basques from the provinces of Guipúzcoa and Navarre (Spain). STR data from previous studies on Basques from Alava and Vizcaya provinces were also examined using hierarchal analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and genetic admixture estimations to ascertain whether the Basques are genetically heterogeneous. To assess the genetic position of Basques in a broader geographic context, we conducted phylogenetic analyses based on F(ST) genetic distances [neighbor-joining trees and multidimensional scaling (MDS)] using data compiled in previous publications. The genetic profile of the Basque groups revealed distinctive regional partitioning of short tandem repeat (STR) diversity. Consistent with the above, native Basques clearly segregated from other populations from Europe (including Spain), North Africa, and the Middle East. The main line of genetic discontinuity inferred from the spatial variability of the microsatellite diversity in Basques significantly overlapped the geographic distribution of the Basque language. The genetic heterogeneity among native Basque groups correlates with the peculiar geography of peopling and marital structure in rural Basque zones and with language boundaries resulting from the uneven impact of Romance languages in the different Basque territories.
Pérez-Miranda
Ana M
AM
Molecular Biology and Human Diversity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.|Dpto de Genética y Antropología Física, Universidad del País Vasco, Apartado 644, Vizcaya, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
Alfonso-Sánchez
Miguel A
MA
Dpto de Genética y Antropología Física, Universidad del País Vasco, Apartado 644, Vizcaya, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
Kalantar
Arif
A
Molecular Biology and Human Diversity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.|General Department of Forensic Services, Biology and DNA Section, Dubai Police H.Q., United Arab Emirates.
García-Obregón
Susana
S
Dpto de Genética y Antropología Física, Universidad del País Vasco, Apartado 644, Vizcaya, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
de Pancorbo
Marian M
MM
Dpto de Zoología y Dinámica Celular Animal, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del País Vasco, Vizcaya, 48940, Leioa, Spain.
Peña
José A
JA
Dpto de Genética y Antropología Física, Universidad del País Vasco, Apartado 644, Vizcaya, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
Herrera
Rene J
RJ
Molecular Biology and Human Diversity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA. herrerar@fiu.edu.
D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood; D005787:Gene Frequency; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D005828:Genetics, Population; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013030:Spain
D004247:DNA