Exploring mitochondrial DNA variation in the Italian Peninsula

Journal article

The genetic structure of Italy appears to be mainly shaped by pre-Roman historical events. The studies carried out so far show a major North-South cline, possibly the result of two distinct main demic processes: the first colonisation of the area during the Palaeolithic period and the subsequent Neolithic expansion from the Middle East. However, the demographic contribution of these events is still a matter of debate. We here report mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data from nine population groups covering the main Italian regions: Central Liguria (N = 50), East Friuli (N = 51), South Latium (N = 48), Central Marche (N = 53), West Calabria (N = 50), Central Campania (N = 50), South Apulia (N = 53), and two populations from Sicily (East and West Sicily, N = 40 each). Haplogroup frequency spectra indicate clear differences at a regional level and haplotype sharing among populations is low. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Authors: Brisighelli, F; Álvarez-Iglesias, V; Capelli, C; Scarnicci, F; Boschi, I

• Journal: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 264-265
• Publication date: 2008-08-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2007.10.119
• ISSN: 1875-1768
• Language: English
• Keywords: mtDNA; Italian Peninsula; Haplotypes; SNPs; Population substructure