Gc (vitamin D binding protein) subtype polymorphism and variants distribution among Saharan, Middle East, and African populations

This article presents the results obtained by electrophoretic analysis of the group specific component polymorphism in more than 1,250 serum samples from populations living in the Sahara, the Middle East, and equatorial Africa. In addition to the alleles Gc1F and Gc1s, five variants, including one previously unknown, were found. The distribution of the alleles herein described permits speculation on exchanges and relations among the groups considered. The lowest frequencies of the gene Gc2 correspond to regions where sunlight is stronger. There is also a north-south gradient in the Gc1F gene frequency. This seems to parallel the gradient seen in skin pigmentation.