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Novel polymorphisms in human macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1alpha) gene
X Xin1, K Nakamura, H Liu
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Human macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1alpha) is a chemotactic cytokine, which binds to macrophages, T cells, and B cells affecting their activation. We found novel polymorphisms at four sites within MIP-1alpha gene in Japanese population: C to T in exon 2; A to G in intron 2; C to G and A to G in exon 3. They occurred on the same allele. Although MIP-1alpha effectively suppresses the replication of HIV-1 in vitro, we observed no statistically significant difference in the allele frequency of this polymorphism between HIV-1-infected and uninfected individuals in Japanese population. Since an increased transcription level of MIP-1alpha has been reported to be associated with inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis, we also investigated the frequency of these polymorphisms among patients with atopic dermatitis, HIV-1-infected individuals (with a normal IgE level), and healthy donors. A small increase in ratio of homozygotes to other genotypes was observed in patients with atopic dermatitis (P = 0.04).
Insights
Novel polymorphisms in the macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1alpha) gene were identified in the Japanese population. These MIP-1alpha gene variations showed no significant link to HIV-1 infection but a slight association with atopic dermatitis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1alpha) is a cytokine crucial for immune cell activation.
- MIP-1alpha plays a role in inflammatory responses and has shown potential in suppressing HIV-1 replication in vitro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel polymorphisms in the MIP-1alpha gene within the Japanese population.
- To investigate the association of these MIP-1alpha gene polymorphisms with HIV-1 infection and atopic dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping analysis was performed to identify polymorphisms in the MIP-1alpha gene.
- Allele frequencies were compared between HIV-1-infected individuals, atopic dermatitis patients, and healthy donors.
Main Results:
- Four novel polymorphisms (C>T in exon 2, A>G in intron 2, C>G and A>G in exon 3) were found on the same allele in the Japanese population.
- No statistically significant difference in allele frequency was observed between HIV-1-infected and uninfected individuals.
- A minor increase in the homozygote ratio was noted in atopic dermatitis patients compared to other groups (P = 0.04).
Conclusions:
- The identified MIP-1alpha gene polymorphisms are not significantly associated with HIV-1 infection in the Japanese population.
- A potential, albeit small, association exists between MIP-1alpha gene polymorphisms and atopic dermatitis.