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GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms in European and African populations

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Abstract

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of detoxificant enzymes. Pharmacogenomic studies have revealed interethnic differences in GST allelic frequencies. This study is focused on GSTT1 (gene deletion, rs17850155, rs2234953, and rs11550605) and GSTM1 (gene deletion) gene frequency distributions in two population samples of Europe origin (Italy, n = 120; Spain, n = 94) and two population samples of Africa origin (Cameroon, n = 126; Ethiopia, n = 153). Detection of GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes was performed by multiplex PCR analysis, while the other GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were detected using allele specific PCR and sequencing. GSTT1 and GSTM1 null frequencies in the samples analyzed fit with the variability range observed in European and African populations, respectively. The SNP analysis in GSTT1 gene did not highlight any nucleotide substitution in 493 individuals analyzed. The comparisons among GSTM1 and GSTT1 null phenotype frequencies in worldwide populations show different patterns between Asians, Africans, and Europeans. Important insights into the effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions on the pathogenesis of human diseases have been hypothesized. Detailed studies on the geography of GST variants could therefore increase knowledge about the relationship between ethnicity and the prevalence of certain diseases.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a grant by University “Tor Vergata” (RSA 2008) allotted to M.F. Authors thank Prof D. Frezza, of the same University, who provided DNA samples from Cameroon. Human studies have been approved by the appropriate ethics committee and have therefore been performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down by law.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy

    Sara Piacentini, Renato Polimanti, Flavia Porreca, Cristina Martínez-Labarga, Gian Franco De Stefano & Maria Fuciarelli

  2. Clinical Physiopathology Center, AFaR, “San Giovanni Calibita” Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Isola Tiberina, 00186, Rome, Italy

    Renato Polimanti

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  1. Sara Piacentini
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  2. Renato Polimanti
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  5. Gian Franco De Stefano
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  6. Maria Fuciarelli
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Correspondence to Maria Fuciarelli.

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Piacentini, S., Polimanti, R., Porreca, F. et al. GSTT1 and GSTM1 gene polymorphisms in European and African populations. Mol Biol Rep 38, 1225–1230 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-010-0221-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-010-0221-0

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