Y-STR genetic diversity in Moroccans from the Figuig oasis.

Seventeen Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) (DYS392, DYS437, DYS448, GATAH4.1, DYS389II, DYS439, DYS635, DYS393, DYS438, DYS391, DYS389I, DYS390, DYS19, DYS458, DYS456 and DYS385a,b) were typed in DNA samples from 96 unrelated Moroccan men from the Figuig oasis. Fifty-two haplotypes were identified, of which 36 were unique. The overall haplotype diversity was 0.966, and the discrimination capacity was 0.542. Population comparisons with previously published data revealed significant genetic heterogeneity between the Figuig Moroccans and other North African populations. Results also showed that the minimal haplotype 11-30-13-10-13-25-15 (DYS392-DYS389II-DYS393-DYS391-DYS389I-DYS390-DYS19) was the most frequent haplotype observed in Figuig men.