Southeast Asian diversity: first insights into the complex mtDNA structure of Laos.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vast migrations and subsequent assimilation processes have shaped the genetic composition of Southeast Asia, an area of close contact between several major ethnic groups. To better characterize the genetic variation of this region, we analyzed the entire mtDNA control region of 214 unrelated donors from Laos according to highest forensic quality standards. To detail the phylogeny, we inspected selected SNPs from the mtDNA coding region. For a posteriori data quality control, quasi-median network constructions and autosomal STR typing were performed. In order to describe the mtDNA setup of Laos more thoroughly, the data were subjected to population genetic comparisons with 16 East Asian groups.

Results

The Laos sample exhibited ample mtDNA diversity, reflecting the

SUBMITTER: Bodner M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3050724 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature