The genetic structure of a province as revealed by surnames and HLA genes : potential utility in transplantation policy

SUMMARY The combined use of surnames, which simulate selectively neutral genetic markers, and HLA genes may constitute a useful tool for the genetic survey of a small area. We found a coincidence between HLA genetic structure and surname ‘selectively neutral’ pattern, in an Italian province, although HLA genes indicate a more pronounced genetic isolation for one particular subregion of the province. The patchiness of HLA allele distribution that is sometimes created by drift and/or selection can be used as the basis both of anthropological and of epidemiological studies. The creation of genetic maps of relatively small areas may also constitute a tool for the selection of bone marrow donors.