Assessing human genetic diversity in Tunisian Berber populations by Alu insertion polymorphisms

The most recent Alu insertions reveal different series of characteristics such as stability that make them particularly suitable genetic markers for human biological studies.

Six human-specific Alu insertion polymorphisms were typed in two Tunisian Berber populations with the aim of analysing the genetic diversity of these two communities and the genetic relationships between this region of North Africa and other populations.

Forty-seven Berbers from Sejnane and 33 from Takrouna were sampled. Alu insertion polymorphism was analysed using PCR with loci specific primers.

A similar level of gene diversity was detected in Sejnane and Takrouna populations. PC results revealed genetic affinities between these two populations and some Eurasian populations (Germany, Genova and Syria). In contrast, there is a differentiation between these two Berber communities and North African and Iberian populations.

The results of this study confirm the heterogeneity of Berbers in North Africa, which suggests their diverse origins. In the case of Sejnane and Takrouna populations, these results are in line with an ancient Euro Mediterranean background that has already been studied by archaeologists, particularly for the population of Sejnane.