Genetic Relationship between the Different Ethno-Linguistic Groups of Mezam and Momo Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Aim: Although the many ethnolinguistic groups of the Mezam and Momo Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon are historically known to be related, no genetic study has hider to be conducted to verify the claim. This study was therefore aimed at determining the genetic relationship between the different ethno linguistic groups of Mezam and Momo divisions of north west Cameroon using 6 Y-STR loci. Materials and methods: Venous blood samples were collected from, at least 30 consented participants from each of 11 ethnolinguistic groups previously identified in the study area. Genomic DNA was isolated and six Y- Chromosome Short Tandem Repeats (Y-STRs): DYS388, DYS389I DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393, were genotyped using standard techniques and the phylogenetic relationship between these groups established. Results: Four loci (DYS3891, DYS390, DYS391, and DYS392) had an allele frequency of 1 in all 11 groups and a total of 4 haplotypes were obtained. Haplotype 11-13-21-11-9-10 corresponding to DYS388-DYS389I-DYS390-DYS392-DYS393-DYS391 was the most predominant in all populations. Conclusion: It is concluded that, all 11 populations included in this study have a common genetic origin, the Bakaka population of Cameroon which correlates with their Bantoid linguistic relatedness.