Investigation of the genetic structure of Kabyle and Chaouia Algerian populations through the polymorphism of Alu insertion markers

Abstract

Background: In Algeria, as in all North Africa, Berbers constitute the old background of the population. Today, Berber speakers account for only ∼ 25% of Algerians. This decline is the product of a complex human settlement from pre-history to recent invaders. Aim: This study aims to determine the genetic diversity level within a sample of five Algerian Berber speaking populations in order to contribute to resolving issues about the North African population settlement. Subjects and methods: Two Algerian Berber groups (Kabyle and Chaouia), originated from five administrative regions from Algeria, were typed for 11 Alu Insertions. Analysis has been based on Fst genetic distance, AMOVA, NMDS and distance to the centroid model. Results: No genetic differentiation has been observed between all Algerian Berbers discarding any geographical or ethnic effect. Comparative analyses based on Fst genetic distance did not show significant affinities between North Africans and either South Europeans or Middle Easterners, except genetic proximity between Algerians and Iberians. The amount of genetic diversity among Algerians and North African populations detected by the distance to the centroid model was significant compared with other North Mediterranean populations. Conclusion: A strong genetic homogeneity has been found between Algerian Berbers. Global genetic diversity based on Alu markers is following the isolation by distance model, except for some European populations.