Variations in mitochondrial DNA control region among Malay and Chinese subpopulations (sequence 16000–16200)

Abstract

DNA variations are alterations found in DNA sequence, occurring in both nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA. Variations might differ in individual following population, respectively. The aim of this study was to find variations in target sequence of mtDNA (16000–16200) to be used as marker in Malay and Chinese population. A total of 30 buccal swab samples from 20 Malay and 10 Chinese subjects were collected and preserved on FTA card. The FTA card that contained DNA sample was punched to be included into polymerase chain reaction mixture. Amplification was carried out and the products were sequenced. Sequence variations were found in both Malay and Chinese populations. A total of nine variations (16129, 16108, 16162, 16172, 16148, 16127, 16173, 16099 and 16100) were found in Malay population while a total of seven variations (16129, 16104, 16111, 16109, 16164, 16170 and 16136) were found in Chinese population. Nucleotide position 16129 was found as variation in both Malay and Chinese populations. This study implies that np 16129 can be used as a marker for Malaysian population. For further investigation, the length of the target sequence may be increased to obtain more variations that can be used as markers. This will increase the discrimination power of Malaysian population.

Keywords:

• DNA variations
• human population
• haplogroup
• mutation

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for the financial assistance and also for providing the facilities to carry out this project.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated during and analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Written informed consent was obtained from all participants for this study.

Consent for publication

Written informed consent was obtained from all participants for the publication of this report and any accompanying images.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by UKM GGPM grant (GGPM-2017-085).