GENETIC-STRUCTURE OF SOUTHWESTERN CORSICA (FRANCE)

The distribution of nine red cell enzymes (ACP, ADA, AK, DIA, ESD, GLO 1, PGM1, PGD, and SOD) and seven plasma proteins (C3, GC, KP, ORM, PI, PLG, and TF) was analyzed in a sample of 274 unrelated individuals fr om the southwestern area of Corsica (France), specifically from Ajacci o and nearby villages. The aim of the research was to study the geneti c structure of Corsica and to add further to our knowledge about micro geographic variability of polymorphisms in Corsica. The analysis, carr ied out by genetic distances and R-matrix through 39 alleles of 13 gen etic markers, reveals a certain degree of differentiation within Corsi ca. The results show a genetic heterogeneity between Corsica and other European and Mediterranean populations, although the genetic differen ces appear to be smaller between Corsicans and Sardinians than among C orsicans and other compiled populations. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.