Distribution of allele frequencies of the polymorphic locus of the FUT 2 gene (G772A, rs602662) in Siberian populations

Introduction. Genes involved in pathogen-host interactions, as well as those providing dietary adaptation, are most subject to natural selection. The fucosyltransferase 2 gene FUT2 is responsible for selective selection of microorganisms and maintaining the stability of the gastrointestinal microbiome in humans. Regulation of fucosylation associated with FUT2 gene polymorphism makes carriers of different alleles resistant or, on the contrary, susceptible to certain infectious and associated diseases. Interpopulation differences in the frequency of the nonfunctional allele -772A are known; however, studies among Siberian ethnic groups remain relevant.
Aim: to identify ethnic peculiarities in the distribution of variants of the clinically relevant FUT2 gene in Siberian populations.
Methods. The material for the study was DNA samples of representatives of four ethnic groups: Yakuts of Beidinge and Dyupsya settlements of Ust-Aldan ulus of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (N=123), Tuvinians of Kyzyl city of the Republic of Tyva (N=308), Kazakhs of Zhana-Aul settlement, Kosh-Agach district of the Republic of Altai (N=155), Russians of Siberia (N=153). Genotyping was performed by standard real-time PCR method.
Results. The frequency of the non-secretory allele ‒772A of FUT2 was minimal in the Yakut sample (7.3%), statistically significantly higher in Tuvinians (13.1%). Kazakhs have a significantly increased (29%), compared to these samples, frequency of the studied variant, close to that of the Russian group (34%).
Conclusions. Consistent with the general geographic gradient of polymorphic variant distribution, allele frequencies of the FUT2 gene (G772A, rs602662) in samples of Yakuts, Tuvinians and Kazakhs in Altai occupy an intermediate position between Caucasoids and East Asian populations. This indicates, probably, different selective pressures in different geographical areas, determined by both local pathogens and traditional diet.

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