title: Research of the origin of a particular Tunisian group using a physical marker and Alu insertion polymorphisms.
abstract: The aim of this study was to show how, in some particular circumstances, a physical marker can be used along with molecular markers in the research of an ancient people movement. A set of five Alu insertions was analysed in 42 subjects from a particular Tunisian group (El Hamma) that has, unlike most of the Tunisian population, a very dark skin, similar to that of sub-Saharans, and in 114 Tunisian subjects (Gabes sample) from the same governorate, but outside the group. Our results showed that the El Hamma group is genetically midway between sub-Saharan populations and North Africans, whereas the Gabes sample is clustered among North Africans. In addition, The A25 Alu insertion, considered characteristic to sub-Saharan Africans, was present in the El Hamma group at a relatively high frequency. This frequency was similar to that found in sub-Saharans from Nigeria, but significantly different from those found in the Gabes sample and in other North African populations. Our molecular results, consistent with the skin color status, suggest a sub-Saharan origin of this particular Tunisian group.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Human Genetics and Anthropology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia.
authors.forename: Wifak
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: El Moncer
authors.forename: Raoudha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bahri
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Esteban
authors.forename: Bouthaina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Abdenni-Guenounou
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moral
authors.forename: Jemni
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ben Chibani
authors.forename: Hassen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chaabani