ISSN:
1432-1211
Keywords:
Key words Conservation
;
HLA
;
Introns
;
Class I
;
Locus-specific
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The protein-coding sequences of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are characterized by extraordinarily high polymorphism, apparently maintained by balancing selection, which favors diversity in the peptide-binding domains of the MHC glycoproteins. Here we report that the introns flanking the polymorphic exons of the human MHC class I loci HLA-A, -B, and -C genes have been relatively conserved and have become locus-specific apparently as a result of recombination and subsequent genetic drift, leading to homogenization within loci over evolutionary time. Thus, HLA class I genes have been shaped by contrasting evolutionary forces maintaining polymorphism in the exons and leading to conservation in the introns. This study provides the first extensive analysis of the introns of a highly polymorphic gene family.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002510050323
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