High Differentiation among Eight Villages in a Secluded Area of Sardinia Revealed by Genome-Wide High Density SNPs Analysis Ogliastra Population Analysis
2009

Genetic Differences in Sardinian Villages

Sample size: 360 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Pistis Giorgio, Piras Ignazio, Pirastu Nicola, Persico Ivana, Sassu Alessandro, Picciau Andrea, Prodi Dionigio, Fraumene Cristina, Mocci Evelina, Manias Maria Teresa, Atzeni Rossano, Cosso Massimiliano, Pirastu Mario, Angius Andrea

Primary Institution: Istituto di Genetica delle Popolazioni, CNR, Alghero, Sassari, Italy

Hypothesis

To better design association studies for complex traits in isolated populations, it's important to understand how history and isolation moulded the genetic features of different communities.

Conclusion

The study found significant genetic differentiation among eight villages in Sardinia, influenced by their unique histories and isolation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Five villages showed high LD values likely due to reduced population size and extreme isolation.
  • Population structure analysis revealed a high correlation between genetic and geographic distances.
  • FST values indicated significant genetic differentiation among the villages.

Takeaway

The villages in Sardinia are like different families, each with their own unique traits because of their history and how isolated they are from each other.

Methodology

The study analyzed genetic data from 360 unrelated individuals across eight villages using high-density SNPs.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the selection of individuals from specific villages.

Limitations

The study may not account for all environmental factors influencing genetic variation.

Participant Demographics

Participants were healthy volunteers from eight villages in the Ogliastra region of Sardinia.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0213

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.01719–0.01831

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004654

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