New evidence for balancing selection at the HLA-G locus in south amerindians

HLA-G is a non-classical HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) molecule characterized by limited tissue distribution under normal physiological conditions and low variability at both DNA and protein levels. Several studies suggest that HLA-G could play a role, as an immunoregulatory molecule, in situations...

ver descrição completa

Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Veit, Tiago Degani, Cazarolli, Juciana Clarice, Salzano, Francisco Mauro, Schiengold, Marion, Chies, Jose Artur Bogo
Formato: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2012
País:Brasil
Recursos:Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UFRGS
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:www.lume.ufrgs.br:10183/87995
Acesso em linha:http://hdl.handle.net/10183/87995
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Genética
HLA-G 14 bp INDEL
balancing selection
Amerindians
pathogen resistance
Descrição
Resumo:HLA-G is a non-classical HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) molecule characterized by limited tissue distribution under normal physiological conditions and low variability at both DNA and protein levels. Several studies suggest that HLA-G could play a role, as an immunoregulatory molecule, in situations as diverse as transplantation, cancer, viral infections and inflammatory diseases. A total of 237 individuals from 21 South American tribes speaking nine different linguistic families were studied in relation to the 14 bp insertion/deletion polymorphism at the HLA-G gene. A consistent (seven in nine) excess of heterozygosity in samples classified by language was obtained. Our data supply evidences for balancing selection acting at the HLA-G 14 bp INDEL region. Enhanced fetal survival in a pathogen- rich environment may account for these findings.