Characterization of polymorphisms in the mitochondrial DNA of twelve ethnic groups in the Guizhou province of China

Abstract

To characterize the genetic profiles and relationships between ancient ethnic populations, we analyzed polymorphisms in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) isolated from the blood of 753 members of 12 ethnic groups (Buyi, Dong, Gelao, Hui, Man, Miao, Menggu, Mulao, Maonan, Qiang, She and Zhuang) living in the Guizhou Province of China. The 9-bp deletion of mtDNA was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-PAGE, and 11 SNPs by restriction fragment length polymorphism and mini-sequencing. Thereafter, these genotyping results were verified by PCR-DNA sequencing. The mtDNA of these populations exhibited considerable diversity, both with respect to the haplogroups M and N, and subgroups thereof. The differences between the major ethnic groups reflected the maternal inheritance. These ethnic groups in Guizhou demonstrated a genetic profile that differed considerably from that of other Asian populations. Our findings indicate that the matrilineal genetic profiles of Guizhou groups are relatively complex and distinct, showing relationships that reflect national history and geography.

• Ethnic groups
• Guizhou
• mitochondrial DNA
• polymorphism

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article. This work was financed by grants from the foundation of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2013BAI05B03), the foundations in Guizhou [SY(2010)3001, SY(2012)3135 and J(2011)2119] and the Guiyang Medical University of China (S201102).