Genetic selection? A study of individual variation in the enzymes of folate metabolism.

BMC Medical Genetics
Barbara A JenningsCaroline L Relton

Abstract

Genetic variation in folate metabolism has been associated with survival in utero, the success of in vitro fertilisation, multiple pathologies and longevity. We have looked at the prevalence of genetic variants of the enzymes MTHFR and TYMS in 2,898 DNA samples derived from five cohorts collected in the United Kingdom. The simultaneous analysis of genetic variants of the MTHFR and TYMS loci was carried out to investigate a putative gene-gene interaction that was first observed in an elderly male population from Norfolk. We have made a consistent observation in five population cohorts; the proportion of individuals who are homozygous for the 2R allele of the 5'UTR TYMS polymorphism is less in individuals who are homozygous for the T allele of MTHFR 677 than in individuals homozygous for the C allele of MTHFR 677 (p = 0.02). These data may suggest a gene-gene interaction and could be evidence of genetic selection, with some pregnancies more or less viable as a consequence of genetic variation. If these genetic phenomena affect the way folate is handled at the cellular level in utero it is possible that maternal folic acid intake may over-ride such genetic selection.

References

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Citations

Jun 28, 2014·Lipids in Health and Disease·Ning-Yuan ChenShang-Ling Pan
Jan 7, 2011·Journal of Oncology·Muhammad Wasif SaifKostas Syrigos
Feb 27, 2015·Journal of Human Genetics·Sefayet KaracaRenato Polimanti
Jan 5, 2011·Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·May F SadiqQasem Al-Batayneh
Mar 13, 2012·The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry : the Official Journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry·Tao LiYongyong Shi

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
PCR
electrophoresis
genotyping

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