The evolutionary genetics of lactase persistence in seven ethnic groups across the Iranian plateau.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ability to digest dietary lactose is associated with lactase persistence (LP) in the intestinal lumen in human. The genetic basis of LP has been investigated in many populations in the world. Iran has a long history of pastoralism and the daily consumption of dairy products; thus, we aim to assess how LP has evolved in the Iranian population. We recruited 400 adult individuals from seven Iranian ethnic groups, from whom we investigated their lactose tolerance and screened the genetic variants in their lactase gene locus.

Results

The LP frequency distribution ranged from 0 to 29.9% in the seven Iranian ethnic groups with an average value of 9.8%. The variants, - 13910*T and - 22018*A, were significantly associated with LP phenotype in Iranians. We found no evid

SUBMITTER: Charati H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6371433 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature