DARC alleles and Duffy phenotypes in African Americans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The DARC (Duffy blood group, chemokine receptor) gene encodes for a transmembrane glycoprotein that functions as a chemokine transporter, is a receptor for Plasmodium vivax and P. knowlesi, and expresses the Duffy blood group antigens (Fy). The Fy(a-b-) phenotype found in people of African descent is typically associated with a -67t>c mutation in the 5'-untranslated region (UTR), which prevents red blood cells being invaded by P. vivax and P. knowlesi. The aim of this study was to establish DARC allele frequencies in an African American blood donor cohort, determine a phylogenetic tree for DARC, and compare human and Neandertal DARC genes.

Study design and methods

The DARC nucleotide sequence of 54 African American blood donors was determined from genomic DNA. Het

SUBMITTER: Schmid P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3374024 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature