The genetical bandwidth mapping: a spatial and graphical representation of population genetic structure based on the Wombling method

Theor Popul Biol. 2007 May;71(3):332-41. doi: 10.1016/j.tpb.2007.01.007. Epub 2007 Feb 4.

Abstract

Characterizing the spatial variation of allele frequencies in a population has a wide range of applications in population genetics. This article introduces a new nonparametric method, which provides a two-dimensional representation of a structural parameter called the genetical bandwidth, which describes genetic structure around arbitrary spatial locations in a study area. This parameter corresponds to the shortest distance to areas of significant allele variation, and its computation is based on the Womble's systemic function. A simulation study and application to data sets taken from the literature give evidence that the method is particularly demonstrative when the fine-scale structure is stronger than the large-scale structure, and that it is generally able to locate genetic boundaries or clines precisely.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Mapping*
  • Gene Frequency*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics, Population*
  • Genome, Human
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic*
  • Systems Biology