Abstract
The idea that all humans naturally belong to one of a few biological types or races that evolved in isolation was unchallenged for centuries, but large-scale modern studies failed to associate racial labels with recognizable genetic clusters. Recently, the conclusions of those studies have been questioned by authors who argue that racial classification has objective scientific bases and is indispensable in epidemiology and genetics. However, no classification is useful if the classification units are vague or controversial, and no consensus was ever reached on the number and definition of the human races. The available studies show that there is geographic structure in human genome diversity, and that it is possible to infer with reasonable accuracy the continent of origin from an individuals multilocus genotype. However, clear-cut genetic boundaries between human groups, which would be necessary to recognise these groups as relatively isolated mating units which zoologists would call races, have not been identified so far. On the contrary, allele frequencies and synthetic descriptors of genetic variation appear distributed in gradients over much of the planet, which points to gene flow, rather than to isolation, as the main evolutionary force shaping human genome diversity. A better understanding of patterns of human diversity and of the underlying evolutionary processes is important for its own sake, but is also indispensable for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools designed for the individual genotype, rather than for illdefined race-specific genotypes.
Keywords: human diversity, population structure, geographic variation, gene flow, selection, isolation, risk factors
Current Genomics
Title: Human Races: Classifying People vs Understanding Diversity
Volume: 6 Issue: 4
Author(s): Guido Barbujani
Affiliation:
Keywords: human diversity, population structure, geographic variation, gene flow, selection, isolation, risk factors
Abstract: The idea that all humans naturally belong to one of a few biological types or races that evolved in isolation was unchallenged for centuries, but large-scale modern studies failed to associate racial labels with recognizable genetic clusters. Recently, the conclusions of those studies have been questioned by authors who argue that racial classification has objective scientific bases and is indispensable in epidemiology and genetics. However, no classification is useful if the classification units are vague or controversial, and no consensus was ever reached on the number and definition of the human races. The available studies show that there is geographic structure in human genome diversity, and that it is possible to infer with reasonable accuracy the continent of origin from an individuals multilocus genotype. However, clear-cut genetic boundaries between human groups, which would be necessary to recognise these groups as relatively isolated mating units which zoologists would call races, have not been identified so far. On the contrary, allele frequencies and synthetic descriptors of genetic variation appear distributed in gradients over much of the planet, which points to gene flow, rather than to isolation, as the main evolutionary force shaping human genome diversity. A better understanding of patterns of human diversity and of the underlying evolutionary processes is important for its own sake, but is also indispensable for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools designed for the individual genotype, rather than for illdefined race-specific genotypes.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Barbujani Guido, Human Races: Classifying People vs Understanding Diversity, Current Genomics 2005; 6 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389202054395973
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389202054395973 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced AI Techniques in Big Genomic Data Analysis
The thematic issue on "Advanced AI Techniques in Big Genomic Data Analysis" aims to explore the cutting-edge methodologies and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of genomic research, where vast amounts of data pose both challenges and opportunities. This issue will cover a broad spectrum of AI-driven strategies, ...read more
Advanced Computational Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Pharmacogenomics
In the era of personalized medicine, understanding the relationship between genetics and drug response is crucial. This issue delves into innovative methodologies, leveraging deep computational analysis and artificial intelligence, to enhance the field of Clinical Pharmacogenomics. The interdisciplinary approach harnesses the power of advanced high-throughput genotyping technologies, sophisticated computational analysis, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Big Data in Cancer Research
Cancer is a significant threat to human life and health, remaining a highly aggressive killer. It is a leading cause of death worldwide and represents a crucial medical issue for humanity. However, in the past decade, the effectiveness of new synthetic anticancer agents has not matched the current clinical speculation. ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Near-infrared Light Activatable Multimodal Gold Nanostructures Platform: An Emerging Paradigm for Cancer Therapy
Current Cancer Drug Targets Current Trends in Cancer Biomarker Discovery Using Urinary Metabolomics: Achievements and New Challenges
Current Medicinal Chemistry Recent Advances in Medicinal Applications of Coinage-Metal (Cu and Ag) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Discovery of New Biomarkers of Cancer Using Proteomics Technology
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Signaling Transduction Network Mediated by Tumor Suppressor/Susceptibility Genes in NPC
Current Genomics Screening and Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Between Diabetic Nephropathy Glomerular and Normal Glomerular via Bioinformatics Technology
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Ellagic Acid Enhances the Efficacy of PI3K Inhibitor GDC-0941 in Breast Cancer Cells
Current Molecular Medicine Vitiligo: Pathogenetic Hypotheses and Targets for Current Therapies
Current Drug Metabolism Anticancer Properties of Asian Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator), Python (Malayopython reticulatus) and Tortoise (Cuora kamaroma amboinensis)
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Effect of Lipoic Acid on Macro and Trace Metal Levels in Living Tissues Exposed to Oxidative Stress
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry The Regulatory Role of Both MBNL1 and MBNL1-AS1 in Several Common Cancers
Current Pharmaceutical Design Interactions of Metal Ions with DNA, Its Constituents and Derivatives, which may be Relevant for Anticancer Research
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Role of Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging in Cancer Diagnosis
Current Medicinal Chemistry Magnetite Nanostructures with Applications in Cancer Therapy
Current Proteomics Anticancer Potential of Ginger: Mechanistic and Pharmaceutical Aspects
Current Pharmaceutical Design Tetrazole Derivatives as Promising Anticancer Agents
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Communicating Vaccine Safety in the Context of Immunization Programs in Low Resource Settings
Current Drug Safety Benzothiazole: A Versatile and Multitargeted Pharmacophore in the Field of Medicinal Chemistry
Letters in Organic Chemistry Targeting the Akt/PI3K Signaling Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cancer
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry