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Published on: August 15, 2019
Online databases for mtDNA and Y chromosome polymorphisms in human populations
Alessandra Congiu1, Paolo Anagnostou, Nicola Milia
1Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Roma, Italy.
Summary
This study reviews online databases for human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome polymorphisms. Optimizing these resources can advance human evolutionary genetics research.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Anthropology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y chromosome polymorphisms are crucial for tracing human population history.
- Online databases are valuable resources for accessing genetic data.
- Effective utilization of these databases is key for advancing human evolutionary genetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of online databases for human mtDNA and Y chromosome polymorphisms.
- To evaluate the utility of these databases for research in human evolutionary anthropology.
- To suggest improvements for future database development and data accessibility.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing online databases.
- Assessment of data types, quantity, sources, download/upload capabilities, and available tools.
- Evaluation from an evolutionary anthropologist's perspective.
Main Results:
- Some databases offer complementary data and advanced querying capabilities.
- Current databases vary in data completeness, organization, and accessibility.
- Metadata regarding populations and individuals is not extensively utilized.
Conclusions:
- Online databases can be enhanced for easier data retrieval, quality control, and metadata utilization.
- Improved accessibility and organization of population data are needed.
- Optimized databases will facilitate the use of next-generation sequencing for human evolutionary genetics.
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