Analysis of Genetic Differentiation at ABO and Rh Loci among the Pashtun Populations Inhabiting Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The study of Pashtun populations of North-West Pakistan deserves special attention due to the demographic transitions caused by recurrent displacements, fragmentation and migrations. In order to observe the genetic differentiation in lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) region, ABO and Rh blood groups record of nine Pashtun populations, i.e., Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Hangu, Karak, Kohat, Kurram Agency, Lakki Marwat, South Waziristan Agency, and Tank, was collected. Absolute gene diversity, gene differentiation and genetic diversity were estimated to be 0.01, 0.019 and 0.515, respectively. There were the highest affinities between the samples obtained from Lakki Marwat and Tank districts, whereas the least affinities were evident between Karak and South Waziristan Agency populations. Collectively, these results show the presence of sub-populations in lower KPK which may suggest a disturbed nature of these populations. Further studies are needed to understand the nature of differentiation between these Pashtun populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]