Estimation of genetic variation in the Secretor and Lewis genes in Iranian hospitalized children

Abstract

Background: The Secretor (FUT2) and lewis gene (FUT3) are in charge of the construction of histo-blood group antigens, which act as a receptor for some Pathogenes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of five significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Iranian children.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 102 blood samples collected from hospitalized children. The FUT2 gene region was amplified and sequenced to explore rs1047781 and rs601338, and the FUT3 gene region was amplified to explore rs28362459, rs812936, rs778986 SNPs.

Results: In FUT2 gene, Se358,428 that produces Se phenotype with 63% (0.53 - 0.72) prevalence, was the most common genotype. For FUT3 gene Le59,202,314 with 80% prevalence was most common genotype (0.71 - 0.87).

Conclusion: This study genotyped Secretor and Lewis genes and designated SNPs' distinct distribution in Iran, and clarified at-risk groups for certain diseases.

Keywords: FUT2 gene; FUT3 gene; Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs); Lewis Status; Secretor status.