Beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes in an admixed Venezuelan population

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Abstract
Haplotype frequencies for the beta‐globin gene cluster were determined in 96 chromosomes from a Venezuelan mixed population. Twelve haplotypes were observed, the most frequent of which were 2, 3, and 4; all others showed prevalences below 10%. When the results were compared with those of 13 other groups using a phylogenetic tree, they clustered in an intermediate position somewhat nearer to those of four sub‐Saharan African populations. This is in accordance with historical and other genetic data which indicate an important contribution of people of African ancestry to this population. The high heterozygosity (80%) and the intermediate position in the tree, on the other hand, possibly reflect past intermixture of these African‐derived individuals with Europeans and Amerindians. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 9:323–327, 1997.