Like pashtun like haplogroup.

Abstract

The hypervariable HVS-I and HVS-II regions of mitochondrial genome of 124 longevity individuals (age ≥ 90 years) and 46 non-longevity individuals (age ≤ 65 years) of purely Pashtun ethnicity were characterized for forensic purposes. Blood samples were collected from southern belt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. For exploring the genetic architect of mitochondrial DNA of Pashtun longevity individuals. Sequence analysis revealed 16 major haplogroups and 56 sub-haplogroups in longevity persons and, 12 and 29 major and sub-haplogroups in non-longevity persons respectively. The 3 most common major haplogroups in longevity individuals were [M (25.0%), J (14.51%), D and U (13 = 10.48% each)], while in non-longevity human, these were [M (17.39%), H & T (15.21% each), and D (13.04%)]. Nineteen unique point mutations were identified not reported previously in reference sequence. More interestingly, the position of mutations found in non-longevity individuals were not observed in longevity individuals and vice versa. Data presented here may contribute to the accuracy of forensic mtDNA comparisons in the Pashtun of Pakistan. Social, cultural and unique territorial factors contribute to heterogeneous nature of Pashtun ethnic group.