Haemoglobin D-Ouled Rabah among the Mozabites: a relevant variant to trace the origin of Berber-speaking populations

Eur J Hum Genet. 1997 Nov-Dec;5(6):390-6.

Abstract

We have studied haemoglobin (Hb) variants and blood groups (ABO, RH, and Kell) in 598 children from the Berber population of the Mzab. Hb D-Ouled Rabah, considered as a private marker of the Kel Kummer Tuaregs, and Hb C were found at the same gene frequency (0.015). Haplotype analysis suggests a single origin to the Hb D mutation. Genetic distances calculated from the blood group data cluster Mozabites and Tuaregs with the other Berber-speaking groups, Arabic-speaking populations being more distant. But, we found no specific relationship between Mozabites and Kel Kummers. Tuaregs in general exhibit features that tend to differentiate them from other Berber-speaking groups. Hb D-Ouled Rabah may be specific of Berber-speaking populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algeria
  • Blood Group Antigens / genetics*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Ethnicity / genetics*
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genetic Markers / genetics
  • Haplotypes
  • Hemoglobin C / genetics
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Hemoglobins / genetics*
  • Hemoglobins, Abnormal / genetics
  • Humans
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics

Substances

  • Blood Group Antigens
  • Genetic Markers
  • Hemoglobins
  • Hemoglobins, Abnormal
  • hemoglobin D
  • Hemoglobin C