KIR gene content in amerindians indicates influence of demographic factors

PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e56755. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056755. Epub 2013 Feb 25.

Abstract

Although the KIR gene content polymorphism has been studied worldwide, only a few isolated or Amerindian populations have been analyzed. This extremely diverse gene family codifies receptors that are expressed mainly in NK cells and bind HLA class I molecules. KIR-HLA combinations have been associated to several diseases and population studies are important to comprehend their evolution and their role in immunity. Here we analyzed, by PCR-SSP (specific sequencing priming), 327 individuals from four isolated groups of two of the most important Brazilian Amerindian populations: Kaingang and Guarani. The pattern of KIR diversity among these and other ten Amerindian populations disclosed a wide range of variation for both KIR haplotypes and gene frequencies, indicating that demographic factors, such as bottleneck and founder effects, were the most important evolutionary factors in shaping the KIR polymorphism in these populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Demography*
  • Gene Frequency / genetics
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Indians, South American / genetics
  • Linkage Disequilibrium / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics
  • Receptors, KIR / genetics*

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Receptors, KIR

Grants and funding

This project received financial support from the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), PRONEX, Institutos do Milênio, Fundação Araucária, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.