Geographical and social influences on genetic diversity within the Egyptian population: analyses of Alu insertion polymorphisms

Author： Salem Abdel Halim Bahri Raoudha Jarjanazi Hamdi Chaabani Hassen

Publisher： Informa Healthcare

ISSN： 1464-5033

Source： Annals of Human Biology, Vol.41, Iss.1, 2014-01, pp. : 61-66

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Abstract

AbstractBackground: The geographical location of Egypt at the crossroads of several major cultural areas between North Africa and the Middle East has contributed to its population history.Aim: To analyse the genetic structure of the population living in two geographical parts of Egypt.Subjects and methods: A sample of 112 Egyptians from the North African part of Egypt (Ismailia sample) and a sample of 52 Egyptians from the Asian part Sinai, have been analysed using 10 Alu insertion polymorphisms.Results: The results of the present study showed a significant genetic difference between the Sinai and Ismailia samples. The latter showed an evident genetic affinity with North African populations; whereas the Sinai sample was found to be genetically closer to the Middle East populations. The Sinai sample showed a low average heterozygosity, unlike that found in the Ismailia sample.Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the genetic structure of the Egyptian population living in a land bridge between Africa and Asia. Results suggest a genetic discontinuity between the Sinai population and that of the North African part of Egypt. This discontinuity would have been maintained thanks to geo-climatic and social factors.