North-African mtDNA in Spain...and Europe

The minor presence of the typical north-african mtDNA haplgroup U6  in Spain, even if at low levels, was tought to be higher than anywherelse in Europe. Interestingly we will see that this is not the case. The truth is that U6 is found everywhere in Europe, but it has been found at higher frequencies in France. Obviously these studies make sure the testees are natives, having the 4 grandparents from the same area, and their surnames native. We see now the studies :

In this study of Dubut et al. 2004 there is a total of 4.5% of U6 in Finistère (Brittany, France) and 1.4% in Périgord-Limousin.

In this very recent study of García et al. 2011 we find these frequencies for France :

• U6a1/a2/a3 Perigord-Limousin (Limousin) 1.4 %
                     Finistère (Brittany) 0.7 %
• U6a  France Miscellanea 0.6 %

Spain : 

Andalusians n=3/158    1.9%   Plaza 2003.

Asturias   n=1/89     1.1%    Garcia 2011.

Aragón     n=0/119    0.0%    Garcia 2011.

Catalonia-Aragón  n=2/164  1.2%  Garcia 2011.
Catalonia n=3/80    3.9%      Garcia 2011.
Catalonia n=78     0.0 %    Plaza 2003.

Central Spain   n=1/50  2.0%   Plaza 2003.

Basques    n=45  ??   0.6%    Maca-Meyer 2003.
Basques    n=0/377    0.0%    Garcia 2011.
Basques    n=1/85     1.2%    Garcia 2011.
Basques    n=173      0.0%    Plaza 2003.

Galicia      ??       2.3%    Maca-Meyer 2003.
Galicia    n=3/185    1.5%    Garcia 2011.
Galicia    n=2/103      1.9%    Plaza 2003.

Cantabria  n=1/105    1.0%    García 2011.
Potes      n=0/72     0.0%    Maca-Meyer 2003.

Lebaniegos n=0/72   0.0%      Maca-Meyer 2003.
Pasiegos   n=0/82   0.0%      Maca-Meyer 2003.

Valencia   n=0/30     0.0 %     Plaza 2003.

% M1 and U6a1a = 2/214 = 0.93%   Álvarez 2010


TOtal SPain = 18/2.022 = 0.89%