HLA-G 14-bp polymorphism at exon 8 in Amerindian populations from the Brazilian Amazon

Tissue Antigens. 2007 Mar;69(3):255-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2006.00797.x.

Abstract

HLA-G (human leukocyte antigen-G) plays an important role in the modulation of the maternal immune system during pregnancy. HLA-G alleles presenting a 14-bp insertion at exon 8 have been associated with decreased messenger RNA levels, preeclampsia, and miscarriages. This suggests that natural selection may exert a strong influence against the insertion allele in isolated populations. DNA samples from 384 Amazonian Indians spread across seven isolated tribes were evaluated for the 14-bp polymorphism. The insertion frequency (38.54%) was somewhat low. The Ewens-Watterson's neutrality test showed a slight trend toward balancing selection operating at this locus but no correlation between the 14-bp locus and fertility data was found. To sum up, no definitive evidence was obtained indicating that the 14-bp frequencies in Amerindians depart from neutrality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / genetics
  • Brazil
  • Exons / genetics*
  • Female
  • Genetics, Population
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Indians, South American / genetics
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / genetics
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • HLA-G Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I