Ph.D. Program in Biodiversity and Evolution
PhD in Biodiversity and Evolution : Molecular variation of human genes under selective pressure
Our research group studies the molecular variability of genomic regions which possess a signature of selective pressure on human populations from different geographical areas. Diet, climate, altitude, disease, etc may be some of the environmental forces that affect the fitness of individuals and thereby influence genetic variation at relevant genes. This would clearly contribute to human genetic diversity. In particular we are investigating on the lactose tolerance, the vitamin D receptor and the haptoglobin genes. To this purpose, we will use sequences analysis and high resolution DNA markers (STRs and SNPs) with different mutation rates to elucidate the different genetic distribution variability in relation to climate, disease and nutrition.
PhD in Anthropological Sciences
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Research Group
Graziella Ciani (Lab technician)
Dr. Cristina Fabbri (PhD student)
Dr. Paolo Garagnani (PhD student)
Donata Luiselli (Associate professor)
