Research of the origin of a particular Tunisian group using a physical marker and Alu insertion polymorphisms

Abstract

The aim of this study was to show how, in some particular circumstances, a physical marker can be used along with molecular markers in the research of an ancient people movement. A set of five Alu insertions was analysed in 42 subjects from a particular Tunisian group (El Hamma) that has, unlike most of the Tunisian population, a very dark skin, similar to that of sub-Saharans, and in 114 Tunisian subjects (Gabes sample) from the same governorate, but outside the group. Our results showed that the El Hamma group is genetically midway between sub-Saharan populations and North Africans, whereas the Gabes sample is clustered among North Africans. In addition, The A25 Alu insertion, considered characteristic to sub-Saharan Africans, was present in the El Hamma group at a relatively high frequency. This frequency was similar to that found in sub-Saharans from Nigeria, but significantly different from those found in the Gabes sample and in other North African populations. Our molecular results, consistent with the skin color status, suggest a sub-Saharan origin of this particular Tunisian group.

Sousse, Tunisia: Tumultuous history and high Y‐STR diversity

“…The Berbers from Chenini-Douiret and Jradou exhibit divergent genetic profiles, as they are significantly differentiated from all other Tunisian populations considered in this study, supporting the results of previous studies based on mitochondrial DNA and autosomal STRs [6,34]. This genetic heterogeneity is not entirely unexpected, considering that Tunisia has been a crossroads for multiple civilizations, resulting in genetic exchange during successive historical periods [13,15,35]. Additionally, founder effects, isolation, and/or genetic drift in some remote Berber villages may further account for the genetic differentiation observed among the Tunisian populations examined.…”