Twenty autosomal markers, including linked markers at two gene markers, are used to understand the genomic similarity and diversity among three tribal (Paite, Thadou, and Kom) and one nontribal communities of Manipur (Northeast India). Two of the markers (CD4 and HB9) are monomorphic in Paite and one (the CD4 marker) in Kom. Data suggest the Meitei (nontribal groups) stand apart from the three tribal groups with respect to higher heterozygosity (0.366) and presence of the highest ancestor haplotypes of DRD2 markers (0.228); this is also supported by principal co-ordinate analysis. These populations are found to be genomically closer to the Chinese population than to other Indian populations.

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Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a vital enzyme catalyzing the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) linked reduction of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methylenetetrahydrofolate, which serves as cofactor in methylation of homocysteine to methionine. Three clinically important mutations of the MTHFR gene namely C677T, A1298C, and T1317C are reported to be associated with various pathological conditions. The present study deals with the screening of C677T mutation among two endogamous groups viz. Ahirs and Jats of Haryana (India). The mutation is reported to be significantly associated with thrombosis, hypertension, stroke and myocardial infraction, neural tube defects (NTDs), and recurrent pregnancy loss. The T allele among Jats is found to be more frequent (0.06) than Ahirs (0.03). Moreover, the Jats population shows a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with respect to C677T mutation. This could probably be due to some selection pressure operating in the population.

High heterogeneity and predominance of ancestral haplotype (B2D2A1) among the Meitei suggest an admixture of incoming mongoloid groups with an already existing protoastroloid element. The study also highlights the distinctiveness of Manipuri population groups with respect to DRD2 gene polymorphism.