Genetic Structure of Human Populations

Citations Over TimeTop 1% of 2002 papers

Abstract

We studied human population structure using genotypes at 377 autosomal microsatellite loci in 1056 individuals from 52 populations. Within-population differences among individuals account for 93 to 95% of genetic variation; differences among major groups constitute only 3 to 5%. Nevertheless, without using prior information about the origins of individuals, we identified six main genetic clusters, five of which correspond to major geographic regions, and subclusters that often correspond to individual populations. General agreement of genetic and predefined populations suggests that self-reported ancestry can facilitate assessments of epidemiological risks but does not obviate the need to use genetic information in genetic association studies.

Related Papers

• → A Population-Genetic Perspective on the Similarities and Differences among Worldwide Human Populations(2011)103 cited
• → Applications of the estimating equations theory to genetic epidemiology: a review.(2000)19 cited
• → Genetic Self Knowledge and the Future of Epidemiologic Confounding(2010)7 cited
• → Analysis of Multilocus Pedigree Data by Computer(1984)33 cited
• → Introduction to Human Genetic Epidemiology(2018)