Research

Population genetic

We have been exploring patterns of diversity in Native Americans using autosomal, sex-chromosome and mtDNA markers in order to examine the process of initial settlement of the Americas, the pattern of population dispersal in the continent and the relationship of genetic data to other sources of historical information.

We are also interested in probing the genetic history of recently established Latin American populations seeking to characterize the process of European, Native American and African admixture in the region.

Gene mapping

We have been interested in exploiting properties of certain Latin American populations that could facilitate gene identification: geographic isolation, admixture and rapid demographic growth. This has led us to apply linkage and association approaches to both Mendelian and complex disorders.

We have been interested in the development and application of mapping genetic methods tailored to recently admixed populations.

We recently initiated a large study aimed at identifying genes underlying the differentiated physical appearance of Native Americans and Europeans using a combined association/admixture mapping approach in admixed Latin American populations.