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The distribution of esterase D variants in different ethnic groups
Human Genetics
|December 15, 1976
Summary
The esterase D (ESD) variant allele ESD2 is most common in Mongoloid populations and least common in Negroid populations. Its frequency varies across ethnic groups and shows an east-to-west cline in Northern Indian populations.
Area of Science:
- Human genetics
- Population genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Esterase D (ESD) is a polymorphic enzyme found in red blood cells.
- Understanding the distribution of ESD variants across different ethnic groups is important for population genetics studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency distribution of red-cell esterase D (ESD) variants in various human populations.
- To analyze ethnic variations and geographical clines in ESD gene frequencies.
Main Methods:
- Screening of blood samples from diverse human ethnic groups using cellogel electrophoresis.
- Compilation and analysis of existing literature data on ESD variants.
Main Results:
- The common ESD2 allele is most frequent in Mongoloid populations and least frequent in Negroid populations.
- Caucasoid populations exhibit intermediate frequencies of the ESD2 allele.
- A significant east-to-west cline in ESD2 gene frequencies was observed in Northern Indian subcontinent populations.
Conclusions:
- The distribution of esterase D (ESD) variants varies significantly across major human ethnic groups.
- Geographical factors and population history likely influence the observed cline in ESD2 gene frequencies.