Indian-Asian relationship: mtDNA reveals more

Recent studies on human mtDNA have identified continent-specific restrictio n enzyme sites and resultant haplogroups among populations from different r egions of the world. Such studies have helped in elaborating the models for human mi,orations. We have studied Indian mtDNAs to identify the recognize d world ethnic elements present in it. The results presented here are based on the study of DdeI 10394 site along with the associated Asian-specific A luI 10397 site in the mtDNA sequences of the Indian samples. On examining a ll the related haplogroups, this study suggests that the apparent affinitie s of Indians and East Asians (comprising Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian s etc.) could be due to a proto-Asiatic element present in Indians.