DNAs from 994 individuals in 11 European and 1 African population(s) for studies of European genetic diversity.
Knowledge of population genetic diversity is important for designing and interpreting genome wide association studies (GWAS) of complex, common disorders, public health problems in the Community and other developed and developing world regions. At present, only GWAS can systematically provide information about genetic factors underlying these disorders, and in turn, about causative environmental components. Applications of this information are specific treatments and prevention strategies for these disorders.
This result, a collection of DNAs from individuals from 11 European populations and an African population, provides a research resource useful for studying and describing genetic diversity of European populations. This is a quasi-unique collection for studying European genetic diversity. Such a resource is the first step for diversity research.
Once the DNA is collected from populations, the second step is to genotype the DNAs with thousands to hundreds of thousands of genetic markers (the more the better). The third step is to analyze the data resulting from the genotyping process, comparing the results among the populations.
This results in a description of population genetic diversity. The DNAs were produced from blood or other cells, sources provided by all partners, at the Foundation Jean Dausset-CEPH, partner 1.
Aliquots of the DNAs were distributed to partners 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 (and also used at CEPH) for genotyping. Varying amounts of the remaining 670 DNA samples are stored at CEPH at -80C, available to project partners (and potentially to other scientists) for diversity and other population genetic studies. At present, 2-1/2 years after completion of the project, the DNAs have not been further distributed.