Characterization of the biological processes shaping the genetic structure of the Italian population.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genetic structure of human populations is the outcome of the combined action of different processes such as demographic dynamics and natural selection. Several efforts toward the characterization of population genetic architectures and the identification of adaptation signatures were recently made. In this study, we provide a genome-wide depiction of the Italian population structure and the analysis of the major determinants of the current existing genetic variation.

Results

We defined and characterized 210 genomic loci associated with the first Principal Component calculated on the Italian genotypic data and correlated to the North-south genetic gradient. Using a gene-enrichment approach we identified the immune function as primarily involved in the Italian p

SUBMITTER: Parolo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4640365 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature