Robustness of the inference of human population structure: a comparison of X-chromosomal and autosomal microsatellites

Hum Genomics. 2004 Jan;1(2):87-97. doi: 10.1186/1479-7364-1-2-87.

Abstract

In this paper, data on 20 X-chromosomal microsatellite polymorphisms from the HGDP-CEPH cell line panel are used to infer human population structure. Inferences from these data are compared to those obtained from autosomal microsatellites. Some of the major features of the structure seen with 377 autosomal markers are generally visible with the X-linked markers, although the latter provide less resolution. Differences between the X-chromosomal and autosomal results can be explained without requiring major differences in demographic parameters between males and females. The dependence of the partitioning on the number of individuals sampled from each region and on the number of markers used is discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Biological Evolution
  • Cell Line
  • Chromosomes, Human, X*
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population*
  • Genome, Human
  • Heterozygote
  • Homozygote
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microsatellite Repeats / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Substances

  • Genetic Markers