PMID: 19934469Jan 1, 2008Paper

History and geography of human Y-chromosome in Europe: a SNP perspective

Journal of Anthropological Sciences = Rivista Di Antropologia : JASS
Paolo Francalacci, Daria Sanna

Abstract

The genetic variation observed in the modern European populations can be used to reconstruct the history of the human peopling of the continent. In recent times, a great importance has been given to uniparental markers such as the Y-chromosome. This chromosome, which is passed from father to son, does not have a counterpart subject to recombination and the only possible source of variation is mutation. The nucleotide changes accumulate over time in the molecule, with no rearrangement among lineages. Lately, the D-HPLC technique, which allows the effective detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), was used to boost the number of available polymorphisms on the Y-chromosome. Since the year 2000, a number of studies were aimed both at the reconstruction of Y-chromosome phylogeny and the geographic distribution of Y-chromosome variation in Europe. The distribution of distinctive Y-chromosome lineages can also display a correspondence with geography, thus providing patterns of affinity and clues concerning past human movements. It is therefore possible to recognize the effect of the colonization of Europe following the Last Glacial Maximum, both from the western Iberian and the eastern Balkan refuges. Other lineages show a...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.