POPULATION GENETIC-STUDY OF 3 VNTR LOCI (D2S44 D7S22, AND D12S11) IN 5 ETHNICALLY DEFINED POPULATIONS OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Using RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis, we hav e characterized the genotypic variation of three VNTR (variable number of tandem repeat) loci (D2S44, D7S22, and D12S11) with probes YNH24, g3, and MS43a, respectively, for 288 individuals from 5 genetically we ll-defined ethnic groups (Brahmins, Maratha, Gujarati Patel, Sinhalese , and Moors) of the Indian subcontinent. The distributions of VNTR all eles at the binned level were examined among the five populations, and the genetic affinities obtained using the VNTR data were compared wit h serogenetic data on 22 blood group and protein loci previously repor ted from our laboratory. For classical genetic markers the Sinhalese s how slight affinity with the populations of western India. However, th e genetic affinity results considerably parallel the results for VNTR loci and 25 combined VNTR/blood group/protein loci, suggesting that th e Sinhalese show the least affinity with the populations of western In dia. These results confirm the findings of a recent study of genetic r elationships of the populations of Sri Lanka based on admixture analys is, The concerns regarding whether or not the pattern of genetic varia tion of VNTR loci at the bin level can be studied using classical popu lation principles are addressed.