Polymorphism of the rs1815739 locus of the «speed gene» ACTN3 in Siberian populations

Abstract

Loss of ACTN3 gene activity due to a stop codon at the rs1815739 locus (rs1815739-T or 577X allele) leads to the absence of α-actinin-3 in fast-twitch muscle fibers, which contributes to increased endurance and resistance to cold. These circumstances became the basis for the hypothesis that the increase in the frequency of the rs1815739-T allele in the populations of Eurasia and America, in comparison with Africa, occurred under the influence of selection at the initial stages of human exploration of the planet. In this work, we analyzed the polymorphism of the rs1815739 locus in the populations of Siberia - in the south (Buryats, Altaians, Tuvinians, Todjins) and north (Chukchi, Koryaks, Evens, Evenks) of the region. We have shown that, contrary to the above hypothesis, the frequency of the rs1815739-T allele is higher in the south of Siberia, while in the northern direction, on the contrary, the frequency of the rs1815739-C allele and the CC genotype increases. The results of the study suggest that the distribution pattern of the rs1815739 polymorphic variants in Siberian populations is not associated with adaptation to cold.