Human Gene Mutations and Migratory Flows—Portugal and the Mediterranean

Abstract

This study presents a compilation of results obtained by several research groups on the mutational analysis of β thalassemia in Portugal and in Morocco, and compares the mutation/haplotype associations in both countries. We use the β thal mutations and haplotypes as genetic markers to address the question of gene flows through the Mediterranean basin area into the Iberian Peninsula and Portugal since the Phoenician trade up to recent times.