A mitochondrial DNA database - Applications to problems of nomenclature and population genetics

The analysis of the mitochondrial DNA variability has been of great interest in the study of human population history. There are some compilations of sequences and polymorphic sites in different databases. Here we present a database Of the variability of the control region sequence (segment I), formatted in a Microsoft Excel file. The organisation and use of the database are described. The database can be used for easily grouping published sequences, based on the correspondence already established with RFLP based haplogroups, showing further subdivision in monophyletic clusters (subhaplogroups) and pointing out the mutation hierarchy. Guidelines for the subhaplogroup nomenclature are exposed. Finally, a possible use of the database for timing migrational events in two Mediterranean islands is discussed.