DYS19, D12S67, AND D1S80 POLYMORPHISMS IN POPULATION SAMPLES FROM SOUTHERN ITALY AND GREECE

Genotype and allele frequencies of the DYS19, D12S67, and D1S80 highly polymorphic loci were determined in population samples from southern Italy (103 subjects) and Greece (84 subjects) using the amplified frag ment length polymorphism (AFLP) technique (polymerase chain reaction f ollowed by native PAGE and silver staining). Five, eleven, and eightee n alleles were found at the DYS19, D12S67, and D1S80 loci, respectivel y. PIC values ranged from 0.55 (DYS19 locus in Italians) to 0.79 (D12S 67 locus in Italians). The distribution of D12S67 and D1S80 genotypes conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, as confirmed by three statist ics. Heterogeneity G tests, carried out on allele frequency distributi ons, showed a significant difference between the samples at the DYS19 locus, whereas no difference was found with regard to the other polymo rphisms. Using data from the literature, we widened the comparison to other European groups analyzed for the same markers. All the polymorph isms were found to distinguish between populations of the same main et hnic group. In particular, D1S80 allele frequencies distinguished the Finns from other European groups (Spanish, German, Italian, and Greek samples). The reduced assay time, the high polymorphism level, and the ability to distinguish between populations indicate that these marker s have potential value in population genetic studies.