Distribution of the HLA-DQA1 and polymarker alleles in the Basque population of Spain

HLA-DQA1 and polymarker (LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8, and GC) genotypic and allelic frequencies are determined for a population sample of 102 unrelated Basque individuals using PCR-based methodology. All six loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations in at least two of the three analyses performed (HLA-DQA1 failed to meet Hardy-Weinberg requirements in the heterozygote deficiency test). Three linkage analysis programs (GDA, GENEPOP and LINKDOS) detected possible linkage disequilibrium between LDLR and HBGG and results from one (GDA) indicated a possible non-random association between HBGG and HLA-DQA1 as well. Allelic data for the six loci are compared to that previously established for other populations (18 for polymarker alone, 16 for polymarker plus HLA-DQA1) to determine homogeneity between the Basque sample and these groups. According to the results of G-tests based on these loci, the Tadjik, a nomadic Caucasian group from western Asia, and the Basque residents are the only sample populations surveyed that are homogenous with the Basque sample. Phylogenetic analysis places the Basque sample correctly within the Caucasian cluster.

Frequencies of the five PCR-based genetic markers LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC in the population of Asturias (North Spain)

Allele and genotype frequencies of the loci LDLR, GYPA, HBGG, D7S8 and GC (PM loci) were investigated in a population sample of 215 unrelated individuals from Asturias (North Spain). Multiplex amplification and simultaneous typing of the five loci was carried out using the polymarker PCR amplification and typing kit. All loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations. The Asturian sample does not differ significantly from other Caucasians, but significant differences were observed between this population and SW Hispanic, Afro-american and Korean populations.