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New insights into the past and recent evolutionary history of the Corsican mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) to inform its conservation. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Calò CM, Vona G, Robledo R, Francalacci P. From old markers to next generation: reconstructing the history of the peopling of Sardinia. Ann Hum Biol 2021; 48:203-212. [PMID: 34459339 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2021.1944312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT For many years the Sardinian population has been the object of numerous studies because of its unique genetic structure. Despite the extreme abundance of papers, various aspects of the peopling and genetic structure of Sardinia still remain uncertain and sometimes controversial. OBJECTIVE We reviewed what has emerged from different studies, focussing on some still open questions, such as the origin of Sardinians, their relationship with the Corsican population, and the intra-regional genetic heterogeneity. METHODS The various issues have been addressed through the analysis of classical markers, molecular markers and, finally, genomic data through next generation sequencing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Although the most ancient human remains date back to the end of the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic populations brought founding lineages that left evident traces in the modern population. Then, with the Neolithic, the island underwent an important demographic expansion. Subsequently, isolation and genetic drift contributed to maintain a significant genetic heterogeneity, but preserving the overall homogeneity on a regional scale. At the same time, isolation and genetic drift contributed to differentiate Sardinia from Corsica, which saw an important gene flow from the mainland. However, the isolation did not prevent gene flow from the neighbouring populations whose contribution are still recognisable in the genome of Sardinians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maria Calò
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Renato Robledo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paolo Francalacci
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Tamm E, Di Cristofaro J, Mazières S, Pennarun E, Kushniarevich A, Raveane A, Semino O, Chiaroni J, Pereira L, Metspalu M, Montinaro F. Genome-wide analysis of Corsican population reveals a close affinity with Northern and Central Italy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13581. [PMID: 31537848 PMCID: PMC6753063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite being the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean basin, the genetic variation of Corsica has not been explored as exhaustively as Sardinia, which is situated only 11 km South. However, it is likely that the populations of the two islands shared, at least in part, similar demographic histories. Moreover, the relative small size of the Corsica may have caused genetic isolation, which, in turn, might be relevant under medical and translational perspectives. Here we analysed genome wide data of 16 Corsicans, and integrated with newly (33 individuals) and previously generated samples from West Eurasia and North Africa. Allele frequency, haplotype-based, and ancient genome analyses suggest that although Sardinia and Corsica may have witnessed similar isolation and migration events, the latter is genetically closer to populations from continental Europe, such as Northern and Central Italians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Tamm
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Julie Di Cristofaro
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France.,Etablissement Français du Sang PACA Corse, Biologie des Groupes Sanguins, Marseille, France
| | | | - Erwan Pennarun
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alena Kushniarevich
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Institute of Genetics and Cytology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, 220072, Belarus
| | - Alessandro Raveane
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "L. Spallanzani" Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ornella Semino
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "L. Spallanzani" Università di Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Jacques Chiaroni
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, EFS, ADES, Marseille, France.,Etablissement Français du Sang PACA Corse, Biologie des Groupes Sanguins, Marseille, France
| | - Luisa Pereira
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mait Metspalu
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Francesco Montinaro
- Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. .,Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Prehistoric migrations through the Mediterranean basin shaped Corsican Y-chromosome diversity. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200641. [PMID: 30067762 PMCID: PMC6070208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rarity of human remains makes it difficult to apprehend the first settlements in Corsica. It is admitted that initial colonization could have occurred during the Mesolithic period when glaciations would have shortened the open water travel distance from the continent. Mesolithic sites in Corsica show relatively short and irregular occupation, and suggest discontinuous settling of very mobile groups probably traveling by boat. Previous genetic studies on Corsican populations showed internal differentiation and a relatively poor genetic relationship with continental populations, despite intense historical contacts, however local Mesolithic-based genetic inheritance has never been properly estimated. The aim of this study was to explore the Corsican genetic profile of Y-chromosomes in order to trace the genetic signatures back to the first migrations to Corsica. This study included 321 samples from men throughout Corsica; samples from Provence and Tuscany were added to the cohort. All samples were typed for 92 Y-SNPs, and Y-STRs were also analyzed. Results revealed highly differentiated haplogroup patterns among Corsican populations. Haplogroup G had the highest frequency in Corsica, mostly displaying a unique Y-STR profile. When compared with Provence and Tuscany, Corsican populations displayed limited genetic proximity. Corsican populations present a remarkable Y-chromosome genetic mixture. Although the Corsican Y-chromosome profile shows similarities with both Provence and to a lesser extent Tuscany, it mainly displays its own specificity. This study confirms the high level of genetic diversity in Corsican populations and backs genetic contributions from prehistoric migrations associated with the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Metal Age eras, rather than from historical movements to Corsica, respectively attested by frequencies and TMRCA of haplogroups G2a-L91 and G2a-P15, J2a-M241 and J2-DYS445 = 6, R1b-U152 and R1b-U106. These results suggest that marine routes to reach the Corsican coast in many different points may have led to such a genetic heterogeneity.
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Piras I, Falchi A, Moral P, Paoli G, Calò CM, Vona G, Varesi L. A gradient of NOS1 overproduction alleles in European and Mediterranean populations. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2010; 14:673-6. [PMID: 20818978 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2010.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM A (CA)n repeat located in the 3' UTR region of exon 29 of the NOS1 gene (encoding for neuronal nitric oxide synthase) has been shown to affect the size of mRNA. NOS1 mRNA is highly diverse, contributing to changes in transcript generation, degradation, processing, or subcellular targeting. In the present work, we analyzed allele frequencies of this (CA)n repeat in nine populations of the Mediterranean area and Middle Europe. We aimed at testing the presence of a north-south positive gradient of frequencies of ≤17 allele repeats, compatible with the hypothesis of positive selection suggested in two of our previous works, related to the past prevalence of malaria infection in Europe. RESULTS Results show significant negative correlations of latitude with frequencies of alleles S and genotypes S/S and S/L (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the north-south gradient of S alleles found in the present work would confirm our previous observation about the NOS1 gene, reinforcing the hypothesis of a selective action of malaria infection. This hypothesis is strengthened by the role of nitric oxide in the immunity system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Piras
- Faculty of Science, University of Corsica, Corsica, France.
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Ghiani ME, Varesi L, Mitchell RJ, Vona G. Significant genetic differentiation within the population of the Island of Corsica (France) revealed by y-chromosome analysis. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2009; 13:773-7. [PMID: 19810819 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2009.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Using 10 Y-chromosome short tandem repeat allelic and haplotypic frequencies, we examined genetic variation within the population of Corsica and its relationship with other Mediterranean populations. The most significant finding is the high level of genetic differentiation within Corsica, with strong evidence of an effective barrier to male-mediated gene flow between the south and the rest of the island. This internal differentiation most probably results from low exogamy among small isolated populations and also from the orography of the island, with a central mountain chain running the length of the island restricting human movement. This physical barrier is reflected not only in present-day intraisland linguistic and genetic differences but also in the relatedness of Corsican regions to other Mediterranean groups. Northwest and Central Corsica are much closer to West Mediterranean populations, whereas South Corsica is closer to Central-North Sardinia and East Mediterranean populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Ghiani
- Section of Anthropology, Department of Experimental Biology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato-Cagliari, Italy.
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Piras I, Falchi A, Moral P, Melis A, Giovannoni L, Paoli G, Calò C, Vona G, Varesi L. Frequencies of promoter pentanucleotide (TTTTA)n of CYP11A gene in European and North African populations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 12:93-6. [PMID: 18307388 DOI: 10.1089/gte.2007.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The present work attempts to determine the distribution of CYP11A (TTTTA)n genotype and allele frequencies in 10 European and North African populations. This polymorphism has been associated with hyperandrogenism by several association studies. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the ethnic variation of this polymorphism. DNA was extracted from 868 whole-blood samples with the standard phenol-chloroform technique, and PCR reactions were carried out using fluorescent primers as described previously. PCR products were analyzed by an ABI 3,730 DNA Analyzer. A total of six alleles were identified, ranging from 220 bp (4 repeats [4R]) to 250 bp (10R). The most frequent allelic fragment size in all populations was 4R, with frequencies ranging from 47.9% (Sicily) to 62.8% (Tuscany and Germany). Allelic frequencies showed high heterogeneity between analyzed populations. We detected a significant gradient for alleles 4R and 8R. In this study, we report the allele frequency distribution of CYP11A (TTTTA)n showing a north-south geographic gradient. This result could be useful for epidemiological studies about hyperandrogenism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Piras
- Department of Experimental Biology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Falchi A, Piras IS, Vona G, Calo CM, Varesi L. Red blood cell polymorphisms in beta degrees-39 heterozygotes in Corsica Island (France). Am J Hematol 2008; 83:173. [PMID: 17957804 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.21094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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The ins and outs of population relationships in west-Mediterranean islands: data from autosomal Alu polymorphisms and Alu/STR compound systems. J Hum Genet 2007; 52:999-1010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10038-007-0206-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Falchi A, Piras IS, Vona G, Amoros JP, Calo' CM, Giovannoni L, Varesi L. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery disease in Corsican population (France). Exp Mol Pathol 2007; 83:25-9. [PMID: 17275808 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2006.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2006] [Revised: 12/19/2006] [Accepted: 12/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and Cholesterol Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) (gaaa)n polymorphisms of the CETP gene in Central Corsica island (France). The study group was composed by 300 unrelated Corsican patients with angiographically documented CAD and 300 unrelated healthy blood donors. Significant differences were observed in the distribution of CETP (gaaa)n alleles between the groups under study (p=0.03; chi(2): 16.8, df: 8). The occurrence of a long allele (408 bp) was higher in cases (12%) than in control group (2%), showing a 6.75-fold increased risk for CAD in Corsica patients (p=0.0055; OR=6.750; 95% CIs=1.47-31.00). The correlation of this polymorphism with the lipid profile (cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides) in the patients group was determined. There was a significant association of the long alleles of CETP (gaaa)n with HDL-C levels. In the patient and in the control groups the LL genotypes had lower HDL-C compared with the SS and SL genotypes (p<0.0001). In summary our results suggest that the genetic variation at the CETP gene may play an important role in determining CAD in Corsican population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Falchi
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Corsica, Faculty of Science, BP52 20250 Corte Corsica, France.
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Piras I, Melis A, Falchi A, Varesi L, Calò CM, Vona G. Frequency of hemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutations in Corsica (France). Clin Genet 2007; 72:268-70. [PMID: 17718867 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2007.00857.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Falchi A, Giovannoni L, Calo CM, Piras IS, Moral P, Paoli G, Vona G, Varesi L. Genetic history of some western Mediterranean human isolates through mtDNA HVR1 polymorphisms. J Hum Genet 2005; 51:9-14. [PMID: 16307178 DOI: 10.1007/s10038-005-0324-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The existence of a genetic gradient across continents has often been highlighted. Comparisons among several genetic markers have suggested that most genes of current Europeans are descended from the Near East. During the Paleolithic period, populations were confined in refuges by the last glaciation. At the end of the Paleolithic period, European migrations began from these refuges. Our objective was to highlight these various flows, starting from well-defined isolated populations, originating mainly from western Mediterranean islands. We investigated polymorphisms in the hypervariable 1 (HVR1) zone of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in many Mediterranean isolates: Andalusia, Balearic Islands, southern Corsica, Morocco, Sant' Antioco Island, San Pietro Island, Gallura, Nuoro and Trexenta (Sardinia) and Tuscany. We have compared our findings with those from other Mediterranean populations. Occupation of the Mediterranean area from the Middle East began in the Upper Paleolithic period around 40,000 years ago, with a population diversity determined by geographical and historical factors. Of the isolates studied, the population of the Balearic Islands show genetic characteristics correlated with various European flows initiated about 5,000 years ago. The island of San Pietro, in southwest Sardinia, still preserves the genetic traces of settlement by Ligurian migrants in 1736.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Falchi
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Corsica, BP 52, 20250, Corte, Corsica, France
| | - Laurianne Giovannoni
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Corsica, BP 52, 20250, Corte, Corsica, France
| | - Carla Maria Calo
- Department of Experimental Biology, Section Anthropology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Ignazio Stefano Piras
- Department of Experimental Biology, Section Anthropology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Pedro Moral
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Barcelona, Avenida Diagonal 645, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giorgio Paoli
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Unit of Anthropology, University of Pisa, Via S. Maria 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vona
- Department of Experimental Biology, Section Anthropology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Laurent Varesi
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Corsica, BP 52, 20250, Corte, Corsica, France.
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Falchi A, Giovannoni L, Vacca L, Latini V, Vona G, Varesi L. beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes associated with beta-thalassemia on Corsica island. Am J Hematol 2005; 78:27-32. [PMID: 15609277 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.20199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In the Corsican population, the incidence of beta-thalassemia traits is reported to be 3.1%. We have investigated the 2 more important beta-thalassemia mutations present in the Corsican population: beta0-39 and beta+IVS1-110. Seven polymorphic sites in the beta-globin gene cluster were analyzed from a sample of 43 non-related beta-thalassemia heterozygotes and of 47 nonrelated healthy individuals, from Central Corsica (Corte). Among the 43 Corsican patients analyzed, the nonsense codon is predominant (88.40%), whereas the beta+IVS1-110 mutation, the most common of beta-thalassemia in the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin, is underrepresented (2.33%). The other individuals did not show positive for the two tested mutations (9.27%). The beta0-39 mutation in the studied population shows a strong association with haplotype II (18.7%) and a weaker association with haplotypes I (2.3%) and VII (2.1%). The strong association of the beta0-39 mutation with haplotype II was also found in Sardinia, suggesting that the mutation on the two islands have the same origin. In the present study all the data concerning frequencies of the mutations and of sequence haplotypes, support the hypothesis of a western Mediterranean origin of the beta0-39 mutation. For the first time, this paper analyzes the association of beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes with the 2 more frequent beta-thalassemia mutations in an isolated population in the centre of Corsica (Corte), which presents certain genetic peculiarities. However, the analysis of beta-haplotypes will be very useful for the genetic epidemiological study in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Falchi
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Corsica, Corte Corsica, France
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Latini V, Sole G, Doratiotto S, Poddie D, Memmi M, Varesi L, Vona G, Cao A, Ristaldi MS. Genetic isolates in Corsica (France): linkage disequilibrium extension analysis on the Xq13 region. Eur J Hum Genet 2004; 12:613-9. [PMID: 15114371 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic isolates with a history of a small founder population, long-lasting isolation and population bottlenecks represent exceptional resources in the identification of genes involved in the pathogenesis of multifactorial diseases. In these populations, the disease allele reveals linkage disequilibrium (LD) with markers over significant genetic intervals, therefore facilitating disease locus identification. This study has been designed to examine the background LD extension in some subpopulations of Corsica. Our interest in the island of Corsica is due to its geographical and genetic proximity to the other Mediterranean island of Sardinia. Sardinian isolates in which the extension of the background LD is particularly high have been recently identified and are now the object of studies aimed at the mapping of genes involved in complex diseases. Recent evidence has highlighted that the genetic proximity between the populations of Corsica and Sardinia is particularly true for the internal conservative populations. Given these considerations, Sardinia and Corsica may represent a unique system to carry out parallel association studies whose results could be validated by comparison. In the present study, we have analyzed the LD extension on the Xq13 genomic region in three subpopulations of Corsica: Corte, Niolo and Bozio, all located in the mountainous north-center of the island. Our results show a strong degree of LD over long distance for the population of Bozio and to a less extent for the population of Niolo. Their LD extent is comparable to or higher than that reported for other isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Latini
- Istituto di Neurogenetica e Neurofarmacologia Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (INN-CNR), Cagliari, Italy
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Falchi A, Vacca L, Lopez Alomar A, Esteban E, Memmi M, Varesi L, Moral P, Vona G. Population variability in some genes involving the haemostatic system: data on the general population of Corsica (France), Sardinia and Sicily (Italy). Genet Mol Biol 2004. [DOI: 10.1590/s1415-47572004000200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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