Allelic variation adjacent to the human insulin and apolipoprotein C-II genes in different ethnic groups

• Published in: Human genetics 1985-01, Vol.71 (3), p.227-230
• Main Authors: WILLIAMS, L. G, JOWETT, N. I, VELLA, M. A, HUMPHRIES, S, GALTON, D. J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alleles; Apolipoprotein C-II; Apolipoproteins C - genetics; Biological and medical sciences; Continental Population Groups; Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; DNA - genetics; DNA Restriction Enzymes; Gene Frequency; General aspects. Genetic counseling; Genotype; Humans; Insulin - genetics; London; Medical genetics; Medical sciences; Polymorphism, Genetic
• ISSN: 0340-6717; 1432-1203
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00284580

We have used DNA probes for the human insulin gene and apolipoprotein C-II (apo C-II) gene to determine the extent of allelic variation in different ethnic groups. The distribution of an apo C-II DNA polymorphism revealed by the restriction endonuclease Taq I showed no significant variation amongst racial groups; in contrast, an insulin gene-related DNA polymorphism showed marked variability. In Japanese, Chinese, and Asian Indian groups there was an increased frequency of homozygosity for the class 1 allele compared to Caucasian groups (P less than 0.001, P less than 0.01, and P less than 0.05, respectively). In Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, and Asian Indian groups no class 2 allele was observed; but in the Negroid populations (African and West Indian) the class 2 allele frequencies were 0.23 and 0.25 respectively. Possible reasons for this variation in allele distribution are considered in relation to disease associations.