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

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genetic variation in folate metabolism has been associated with survival in utero, the success of in vitro fertilisation, multiple pathologies and longevity.

Methods

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.

Results

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

SUBMITTER: Jennings BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2835673 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature