Genetic variation study on fifteen STR loci in isolated Slovenian “Inland Island” human populations of the Selška Valley Region

: This study was conducted to confirm preliminary anthropological research indicating the specificity of isolated Selska Valley populations and implement clear mapping of genetic distances between neighboring populations and similar "inland island" populations from the region. The sample consisted of 86 unrelated individuals born in the Selska Valley from the lowland villages (Bukovica, Sevlje, Dolenja Vas, Selca, Železniki and Zali Log) and the mountain villages (Podlonk, Prtovc, Spodnje Danje, Zgornja Sorica and Spodnja Sorica). The for mentioned 15 STR loci (D3S1358, TH01, D21S11, D18S51, Penta E, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, CSF1PO, Penta D, vWA, D8S1179, TPOX and FGA) were analyzed and statistical analysis was applied to determine population-genetics and forensic parameters. The frequencies of 15 STR loci from isolated populations of Slovenian villages, Slovenia, Bosnian mountain villages and Bosnia and Herzegovina were analyzed to calculate genetic distances between them. Our results confirmed a similar genetic pattern between the Selska Valley mountain villages and Slovenian general population as well as Bosnian mountain villages and general Bosnian population. Even if the sample size was relatively small and examined populations were geographically isolated, observed genetic variation within the whole population was relatively high and comparable with neighboring populations. Additional analysis proved that the Selska Valley population is genetically closest to the Slovenian and Austrian populations. On the other hand, comparison with similarly patterned populations confirmed that this population could be recognized as "inland island" population in genetic terms.