title: Significant genetic differentiation within the population of the Island of Corsica (France) revealed by y-chromosome analysis.
abstract: Using 10 Y-chromosome short tandem repeat allelic and haplotypic frequencies, we examined genetic variation within the population of Corsica and its relationship with other Mediterranean populations. The most significant finding is the high level of genetic differentiation within Corsica, with strong evidence of an effective barrier to male-mediated gene flow between the south and the rest of the island. This internal differentiation most probably results from low exogamy among small isolated populations and also from the orography of the island, with a central mountain chain running the length of the island restricting human movement. This physical barrier is reflected not only in present-day intraisland linguistic and genetic differences but also in the relatedness of Corsican regions to other Mediterranean groups. Northwest and Central Corsica are much closer to West Mediterranean populations, whereas South Corsica is closer to Central-North Sardinia and East Mediterranean populations.
authors.affiliation: Section of Anthropology, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy. meghiani@unica.it
authors.forename: Maria Elena
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Ghiani
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Varesi
authors.forename: Robert John
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vona
mesh_terms: D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y / Q000235:genetics*; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005602:France; D005787:Gene Frequency; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011153:Population / Q000235:genetics*; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics*