Genetic Diversity in Gorkhas: an Autosomal STR Study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Human Genetics

Background:

• Short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping is crucial for understanding genetic diversity.
• Autosomal STR markers are highly polymorphic and informative for population studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze genetic diversity in Gorkha individuals serving in the Indian Army.
• To establish a genetic profile database for potential use in disaster victim identification.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of fifteen autosomal STR markers using the AmpFlSTR Identifiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit.
• Analysis of allele frequencies, heterozygosity, and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE).
• Phylogenetic analysis using Neighbor Joining (NJ) tree and principal component analysis (PCA).

Main Results:

• A total of 138 alleles were observed with frequencies ranging from 0.005 to 0.469.
• The Fibrinogen Alpha (FGA) chain locus showed the highest polymorphism and discrimination power.
• Gorkha individuals clustered with Nepalese and Tibeto-Burman populations, distinct from lowlander Indian populations.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable STR DNA profile data for Gorkha soldiers.
• The genetic clustering supports the Gorkha population's affiliation with Tibeto-Burman linguistic groups.
• The data can enhance disaster victim identification capabilities within military contexts.