P.T.C. thresholds, blood factors, colour vision and fingerprints of Jivaro Indians in Eastern Ecuador

Among the Jivaro Indians of Eastern Ecuador, very low non-taster frequencies were found, a situation in accord with most of the other, through few sets of P. T. C. data available for South American Indians. The Jivaro have maximal frequencies (1.000) of the alleles I° and D, typical of most South American Indian groups. The colour blindness frequency of males (7.1%) is seemingly higher than North American Indian figures and is similar to European frequencies. Jivaro dermatoglyphic data are in broad general agreement with data available for Amerindian groups generally, and for many Asian mongoloids, with high pattern intensity indices for males and females, mainly the result of a very high whorl incidence. The digital distribution of the pattern types for the greater part accords with the generalisations of Cummins and Midlo ('61). There are marked sex differences in the data, females having a lower mean pattern intensity index, a higher value for Dankmeijer's Index and a lower value for Furuhata's Index. Unfortunately there are few other sets of South American Indian data available for comparative purposes.     

Gm and Inv allotypes in a Gypsy sample.

Serum samples from 226 Gypsies were tested for Gm(1,2,4,5,8,10,11,14,17,21,23,25) and for Inv(1,2). The Gm phenotypes found are very numerous and the more frequent among this population are: Gm(4,5, 8,10,11,14,17,23,25) and Gm(1,2,4,5,8,10,11,14,17,21,23,25). All the phenotypes except three can be explained by nine haplotypes: Gm4,5,8,10,11,14,23,25, Gm1,4,5,8,10,11,14,23,25, Gm4,5,8,10,11,14,25, Gm1,17,21, Gm1,10,11,17,25, Gm1,2,17,21, Gm1,8,17,21, Gm1,8,17,21,23 and Gm1,5,10,11,14,17. The haplotypes Gm1,17,21, Gm1,2,17,21, Gm4,5,8,10,11,14,25 (with or without Gm[ 3]) are all three common among Caucasoids, Gm1,4,5,10,11,14,23,25 (common among Mongoloids) and Gm1,5,10,11,14,17 (common to Negroids). For the Inv system, this population possesses a very low frequency of Inv(1) and Inv(2).     

The Seminole Indians of Florida: morphology and serology

The Seminole Indians of Florida were studied on their three reservations for blood types, red cell enzymes, serum proteins, physical measurements, and relationships. Both serologic and morphologic factors suggest their close similarity to other Indians and small amount of admixture. The Florida Seminoles are similar to Cherokee “full-bloods” in their absence of Rho and their incidence of O and M. In the presence of Di^a they are similar to other Indians, especially those of South America. While the presence of G-6-P-D A and the frequency of Hgb. S are indicative of Negro ancestry, the absence of Rho suggests that the Negro contribution must have been small. Physical traits give parallel results. Both serology and morphology further show that the Seminoles of the Dania and Big Cypress reservations are more similar to each other than to those of the Brighton reservation, in keeping with their history.     

Gm haplotype distribution in Amerindians: Relationship with geography and language

A review is made of the Gm haplotype distribution in 60 groups of Eskimos, North, Central and South American Indians, totaling 22,808 individuals. Differences were observed in the shapes of the distribution of Gm*ag and the other markers. Nearly identical values for F_ST and average heterozygosities were obtained in the North+Central/South comparisons. North-South and Southwest/Northeast clinal differences were observed in the Americas using correspondence factorial analysis. The two haplotypes mainly responsible for these differences are Gm*axg and Gm*abOst. When the populations are classified by language groups, besides the recognized differences between Eskimos and Athabaskan (Na-Dene) speakers compared with Amerinds, others are found. For instance, Uto-Aztecan speakers of the United States and Mexico differ in Gm frequencies from the Nuclear Chibchan, Macro-Arawak, and Carib speakers of Central and South America. The notion of a homogeneous Amerind genetic pool does not conform with these and other results. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Genetic studies on Gadaba: a tribal population of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Blood samples were collected from Gadaba, a tribal population of Andhra Pradesh, South India, in order to examine the distribution of blood groups, red cell enzymes and the gammaglobulin polymorphism. Out of 20 genetic markers studied seven protein loci exhibited monomorphism. Surprisingly a case of a rare homozygous variant and twenty-one heterozygous variants at the phosphogluconate dehydrogenase locus (6-PGD), six variants at the phosphohexose isomerase locus (PHI) and a single case of phosphoglucomutase locus 1 (PGM 1) variant were observed. Further, the tribal populations of South India reveal higher frequencies of rare variants than the caste populations. However, the presence of rare variants that are phenotypically neutral may be plausibly due to their high selective value.     

Genetic uniqueness of the Waorani tribe from the Ecuadorian Amazon

South America and especially the Amazon basin is known to be home to some of the most isolated human groups in the world. Here, we report on a study of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the Waorani from Ecuador, probably the most warlike human population known to date. Seeking to look in more depth at the characterization of the genetic diversity of this Native American tribe, molecular markers from the X and Y chromosomes were also analyzed. Only three different mtDNA haplotypes were detected among the Waorani sample. One of them, assigned to Native American haplogroup A2, accounted for more than 94% of the total diversity of the maternal gene pool. Our results for sex chromosome molecular markers failed to find close genetic kinship between individuals, further emphasizing the low genetic diversity of the mtDNA. Bearing in mind the results obtained for both the analysis of the mtDNA control region and complete mitochondrial genomes, we suggest the existence of a 'Waorani-specific' mtDNA lineage. According to current knowledge on the phylogeny of haplogroup A2, we propose that this lineage could be designated as subhaplogroup A2s. Its wide predominance among the Waorani people might have been conditioned by severe genetic drift episodes resulting from founding events, long-term isolation and a traditionally small population size most likely associated with the striking ethnography of this Amazonian community. In all, the Waorani constitute a fine example of how genetic imprint may mirror ethnopsychology and sociocultural features in human populations.     

Gm and Inv allotypes in French Guiana Indians.

Data from 302 individuals belonging to three populations of French Guiana Indians are reported. All the phenotypes except two can be explained by three haplotypes: Gm1,21, Gm1,2,21 and Gm1,10,11,25. The gene frequencies found in the present study are generally in accordance with those previously described among other South American Indians. For the Inv1,2 gene a high value has been found for the Wayanas and the Oyampis, but a difference appears for the Emerillons who possess a low frequency.     

Professor Harold Cummins 1893-1976

A survey was conducted of 324 members of the Cajun isolate of Southern Alabama. Tradition and appearance suggest that this population of about 3,000 are not entirely White, Black, or Indian but constitute a triracial community somewhat reproductively isolated and inbred. The earliest American settlement in the area, along the banks of the Mobile and Tombigbee Rivers, lay between Spaniards to the South and Indian tribes on the other sides: Creek, Choctaw, and Cherokee. Physical measurements are reported for 71 adults, plus color of skin, eyes, and hair. X-rays were taken of wrist and ankle bones of some 253 children. Red blood samples were typed on adults and children, and haptoglobin, Gm, and Gc types were determined from serum. History and physical examinations were also made. Physical measurements and observations suggest predominantly White ancestry, and D² analysis confirms this, with least similarity to Indians. Analysis of serological traits implies almost 70% White, almost 30% Black, and very little Indians genes. Few defects of clear genetic etiology were discovered. Growth patterns judged from X-rays appeared normal. All genetic loci testable were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium except Gc. While history and some common surnames suggest endogamy in the past, the medical and serological findings, plus some additional surnames, indicate that the isolate has already been largely diluted or dissolved.     

Genetic data concerning the problem of differentiation of Northern Mongoloids, American Indians and Caucasoids in the northern territory of Eurasia

Basing on the frequencies of 28 alleles of 12 polymorphic loci of blood groups, serum proteins and red cell enzymes the matrix of genetic distances between 11 populations of Europe, Asia and America was calculated. This matrix and the dendrogram based on it permitted to suggest that the region of South Siberia and the neighbouring regions of Central Asia was the place, where the paleolithic populations were divided into the ancestors of the Northern Mongoloids, Caucasoids and American Indians. The published data concerning the human mtDNA polymorphisms support the hypothesis of the author.     

Characteristics of Mongoloid populations based on the human immunoglobulin allotypes

Since the discovery of Gm ab3st haplotype which characterizes Mongoloid populations in 1966, the distribution of the genetic markers of immunoglobulins (Gm) among the Mongoloid populations scattered from Southeast Asia through East Asia to South America has been investigated and concluded as follows: 1) Mongoloid populations characterized by the four Gm haplotypes, ag, axg, ab3st and afb 1b3 are divided into two groups on the basis of analysis of genetic distances based on the Gm haplotype frequencies: one is a southern group characterized by a remarkably high frequency of Gm afb 1b3 and a low frequency of Gm ag and the other is a northern group characterized by a high frequency of Gm a and an extremely low frequency of Gm afb 1b3. 2) Populations in China, mainly Han including minority nationalities, show remarkable heterogeneities from north to south, in sharp contrast to Korean and Japanese populations showing homogeneities, respectively. The center of dispersion of the Gm afb 1b3 characterizing southern Mongoloids must exist in Guangxi and Yunnan area in the southwest China. 3) The Gm ab3st gene found in the highest incidence among the north Baikal Buriats flows in all directions. The gene, however, shows precipitous drop which occur from mainland China to Southeast Asia and from North to South-America, although the Gm ab3st gene is still found in high incidences among Eskimos, Yakuts, Tibetans, Olunchuns, Koreans, Japanese and Ainus. On the other hand, the gene is introduced into Huis, Uighurs, Indians, Iranians and far Hungarians.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The Northern and Southeastern Ojibwa: serum proteins and red cell enzyme systems

Two Ojibwa Indian populations in Ontario, selected to represent the Northern (Pikangikum Band) and Southeastern (Wikwemikong Band) branches of this “tribe” are compared for their serum protein and red cell enzyme systems. Albumin, haptoglobin, immunoglobins Gm and Inv, serum α-globulin and transferrin polymorphisms are reported. The genetic markers Al^Naskapi and Gc^Chippewa are found in both groups, Tf^{D Chi} in Pikangikum only. Contrary to expectations, the Mongoloid marker Gm^1,3,5,11 was found in neither population. Ceruloplasmin is invariant in both, all individuals being B homozygotes. For the red cell enzymes, only the common phenotypes of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and peptidases A and B are present in the Northern and Southeastern Ojibwa. Isocitrate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, nucleoside phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, phosphoglucomutase II, phosphoglyeerate kinase and peptidase C were typed in Pikangikum only: no variants were found. Methemoglobin reductase, tested in Wikwemikong alone, is invariant. Loci polymorphic in at least one Ojibwa group include acid phosphatase, adenosine deaminase, adenylate kinase, glutathione reductase, phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucomutase I, and soluble glutamic oxalocetic transaminase. Comparisons are made with other Algonkian-speakers when possible, with other North American, South American and Asiatic Mongoloid populations when sufficient Algonkian data do not exist. The causes of genetic heterogeneity between the two Ojibwa groups are discussed.     

Characteristics of Mongoloid and neighboring populations based on the genetic markers of human immunoglobulins

Summary Since the discovery in 1966 of the Gm ab3st gene, which characterizes Mongoloid populations, the distribution of allotypes of immunoglobulins (Gm) among Mongoloid populations scattered from Southeast Asia through East Asia to South America has been investigated, and the following conclusions can be drawn: 1. Mongoloid populations can be characterized by four Gm haplotypes, Gm ag, axg, ab3st, and afb1b3, and can be divided into two groups based on the analysis of genetic distances utilizing Gm haplotype frequency distributions: the first is a southern group characterized by a remarkably high frequency of Gm afb1b3 and a low frequency of Gm ag, and the second, a northern group characterized by a high frequency of both Gm ag and Gm ab3st but an extremely low frequency of Gm afb1b3. 2. Populations in China, mainly Han but including minority nationalities, show remarkable heterogeneity of Gm allotypes from north to south and contrast sharply to Korean and Japanese populations, which are considerably more homogenous with respect to these genetic markers. The center of dispersion of the Gm afb1b3 gene characterizing southern Mongoloids has been identified as the Guangxi and Yunnan area in the southwest of China. 3. The Gm ab3st gene, which is found with its the highest incidence among the northern Baikal Buriats, flows in all directions. However, this gene shows a precipitous drop from mainland China to Taiwan and Southeast Asia and from North to South America, although it is still found in high frequency among Eskimos, Koryaks, Yakuts, Tibetans, Olunchuns, Tungus, Koreans, Japanese, and Ainus. On the other hand, the gene was introduced into Huis, Uyghurs, Indians, Iranians, and spread as far as to include Hungarians and Sardinians in Italy. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that the Japanese race belongs to northern Mongoloids and that the origin of the Japanese race was in Siberia, and most likely in the Baikal area of the Soviet Union.     

Blood group, serum protein and red cell enzyme groups of Amerindian populations in Colombia

Red cell samples from persons belonging to four Amerindian linguistic groups in Colombia were investigated for genetic variants in eight blood group systems: for three of the groups investigations were extended to ten red cell enzyme and four serum protein systems. The groups studied are the Noanama (including six Empera) of the Rio Siquirisua and Rio Docampado on the Pacific lowlands and the Cofan, Ingano and Siona Indians of the Upper Rio Putumayo and its tributaries to the east of the Andes. Only blood group O was present among two of the groups and the same groups were 100% Kp(b +), k in the Kell system. Di(a +) frequencies were high in three groups and there was marked variation between groups for the MNS, Rh, P, Lewis and Duffy systems. Polymorphism in all the three linguistic groups studied for serum proteins and red cell enzymes was present only in the red cell acid phosphatase, phosphoglucomutase (locus-1) and haptoglobin systems. 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase was polymorphic in the Noanama, and caeruloplasmin was polymorphic in the Ingano linguistic group. In addition two persons belonging to the Cofan linguistic group revealed the presence of an “atypical” component in the lactate dehydrogenase system. No variation was found in the other six red cell enzyme and two serum protein systems. Comparison with published data on red cell enzyme and serum protein groups for other South American Amerindian populations shows the Colombian populations studied here most closely resemble the Cayapo of Brazil.     

Erythrocyte enzymes in groups of Rattus norvegicus with genetic differences in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels.

1. A major locus with two alleles is responsible for large differences in erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) levels in Rattus norvegicus. Blood from homozygous High-DPG, homozygous Low-DPG and heterozygous animals was used to measure blood indices and red cell enzyme activities. 2. Significant differences between groups were found in DPG levels, white blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. 3. The results suggest that none of the red cell enzymes assayed is structurally or quantitatively different in the three groups.     

Allozymes and the genetics of antler development in red deer (Cervus elsphus)

In order to examine a previously hypothesized influence of selective hunting on allele frequency changes at some regularly polymorphic allozyme loci in red deer ( Cervus eluphus ), antler characters, serving as criteria for culling, were examined in relation to electrophoretic variation in two free-ranging populations of the Vosges, Eastern France, and an enclosure in Central France. When homozygous for the allele Idh-2 ¹²⁵, stags ≥ 2 years old had a significantly higher number of antler points (NAP). When homozygous for the allele Acp-2 ¹⁰⁰, stags older than 5 years had antlers that were significantly larger for a number of traits (NAP, main beam length and circumference, coronet circumference, brow tine length). Among younger stags, all antler traits in Acp-2 ¹⁰⁰ homozygotes were significantly smaller than in carriers of the alternative allele, Acp-2 ⁸⁵. Our data suggest the presence of at least two independent genetic components (one associated with early development of a high NAP, the other with generally large antler size in adults), affecting antler expression in red deer. Those genetic components, possibly major genes which are chromosomally linked with the allozyme loci studied, compensate or reinforce each other in their phenotypic effects. By playing a role in balancing benefits and costs of male reproductive success, they may be part of a genetic mechanism enabling the rapid adaptation of a population to various environmental and demographic conditions. The three populations studied originate from one another, and, based on an assessment of effective population sizes, it could be demonstrated that selective hunting for antler shape has changed allelic frequencies at the associated marker loci within a few generations.     

Genetic differentiation of Yemeni people according to rhesus and Gm polymorphisms

For introducing Yemeni population in synthesis of genetic relationships of human populations, analysis of rhesus and Gm polymorphisms have been carried out for a population sample of 210 Yemenites. Rhesus haplotype frequencies were compared to those estimated in an original sample of 171 Tunisians and to available data for other populations. Gm haplotype frequencies were introduced in a wide synthesis of genetic relationships for 67 populations from Africa, Europe, the Near East and India. The genetic profile of Yemeni people would be close to that of a highly diversified ancestral population. The first inhabitants of North Africa, the Berbers and Yemenites have very likely a common origin and were not subject to important genetic drift after their geographic differentiation. While, the divergence between Yemenites and their neighbours of sub-Saharan Africa would have occurred with a founder effect and a long isolation. An important parallelism is observed for the Gm system between genetic and linguistic differentiations.     

A radioimmunoassay for the Gm(b0) allotype of human immunoglobulins

A radioimmunoassay for the human allotype Gm(b⁰) which provides a sensitive and quantitative measurement of the level of this IgG3 genetic marker has been developed. The assay system can detect 15 nanograms of Gm(b⁰) IgG3 protein and is not inhibited by immunoglobulins of other allotypes and isotypes. Using this assay, good correlation was found between IgG3 and Gm(b⁰) levels in homozygous Gm(f, b⁰) sera and gene dosage effects could be confirmed. The correlation between Gm(b⁰) levels and IgG3 in Negroid Gm(a, b⁰) sera was not as good. This reduced correlation has been attributed to antigen differences in the IgG3 Gm markers characteristic of some Negroid Gm(a, b⁰) sera.     

Catawba Indians: morphology, genetics, and history

The Catawba Indians of South Carolina appear to be descendants of the once flourishing Siouan tribe now admixed primarily with Whites of the area. Study of physical traits and blood types was made in 1962 at the time they terminated reservation status. The data permit comparisions with other populations and an estimation of the genetic contribution of presumed parental populations to the hybrid. Skeletal remains of Siouan Indians from archeological sites in the area provide a basis for morphological comparisons. Similar ties of the Catawba to the Indian Knoll people of Kentucky and to the Occaneechi people of early historic times are noted. Results of blood typings of these ancient bones also enable some tentative serological comparisons with the present day Catawba Indians. Certain unusual factors in the history of the present population have affected their isolation and admixture, and this interaction of culture and biology is explored.     

Isozymes as bioprobes for genetic analysis of nonhuman primates

The identification and the utilization of genetically determined electrophoretic differences of enzymes between the individuals of species as well as between cell lines have played an important role in the advancement of mammalian genetics during the past quarter of a century. In an explicit search we found a number of red cell enzyme polymorphisms in each of the following four species: chimpanzees, orang utans, rhesus monkeys and brown capuchins. Allelic distribution patterns among populations have indicated trends of subspeciation among chimpanzees and orang utans due to geographic barriers leading to reproductive isolation. Investigations of quantitative levels of red cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase have suggested that relative activity profiles of certain enzymes among species may be helpful in studies of the evolution of physiological traits and their biological significance during speciation. A large number of biochemical genetic markers in primate-rodent (i.e., chimpanzee-, gorilla-, orang utan-, rhesus monkey- and African green monkey-Chinese hamster) somatic cell hybrids have been identified and are useful for primate genetic analysis. Some of the biologically relevant observations on the enzyme markers in the above mentioned primate species are discussed.     

Genetic profiling of genes from the oxidative stress pathway among North and South Indians

The case-control association study design has been extensively used for elucidating the genetic basis of complex traits. Considerable variation in frequencies of various gene polymorphisms has been reported across different populations and ethnic groups. Thus before beginning such studies, one must know the gene variants that exist in the population. Such information is not available for the ethnically distinct Indian population, which, on the basis of the languages spoken, can be further subdivided into Indo-Europeans (North Indians) and Dravidians (South Indians). In this study we provide information on allele and genotype frequencies, pairwise linkage disequilibrium, and predominant haplotypes in two populations (North India, n=96; South India, n=96) for several of the commonly investigated polymorphisms in the oxidative stress pathway genes. Of the 33 polymorphisms in 19 genes tested, significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between the two populations were observed for SOD3 Ala58Thr, UCP1-3826 C/T, NOS3-786 T/C, and TNFA-308 G/A polymorphisms.