Information on Leicestershire

Scientists aim to create Genetic snapshot of the diversity of Leicester

Posted on 28/04/08
J. Milton

representation of a strand of DNAUniversity of Leicester study will profile make-up of a modern British city

Scientists at the world-famous Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester, home of DNA fingerprinting, are recruiting men who live in Leicester to provide a genetic snapshot of the diversity of the city.

The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, will focus on the Y chromosome, part of our DNA that is passed down from fathers to sons. Genetic patterns among Y chromosomes often correlate with surnames, since these are inherited in the same way. Previous work from the group, led by Professor Mark Jobling, has examined this relationship, and shown that it could be useful in learning about the histories of populations, understanding common diseases, and helping forensic investigations.

Genetic studies have usually focused on isolated or rural populations, and ignored cities. However, Leicester is representative of much of modern Britain in being home to people whose ancestors come from many different parts of the world, said researcher Dr Turi King. Building on their previous work, the group aims to discover if the link between Y chromosome type and surname remains strong in a diverse urban setting. Following recruitment of 150 volunteers for DNA donation in Leicester, which will provide a snapshot of the diversity of the city, a second group of 150 matching the surnames of the first will be recruited from other urban centres in England, and the two groups compared.

Sampling is simple and non-invasive, involving brushing the inside of the cheek, and volunteers will receive a description of their own Y-chromosome type when the work is completed. Men interested in taking part are asked to email Turi King at surnames@le.ac.uk <mailto:surnames@le.ac.uk> , or telephone 07512 586 493.

The project forms part of a recently awarded grant from the Wellcome Trust, Whats in a name? Applying patrilineal surnames to forensics, population history, and genetic epidemiology.

* Leicester is reputed to achieve a diversity milestone by 2020, becoming Britains first plural city where no ethnic group will form a majority, according to research published recently.

The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around 650 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing. http://www.wellcome.ac.uk <http://www.wellcome.ac.uk>

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