No Evidence for Recent Positive Selection at the DRD4 Gene
Author Information
Author(s): Naka Izumi, Nishida Nao, Ohashi Jun
Primary Institution: University of Tsukuba, University of Tokyo, International Medical Center of Japan
Hypothesis
Has the DRD4 7R allele been subjected to recent positive selection?
Conclusion
The study concludes that the DRD4 7R allele has not been subjected to strong recent positive selection.
Supporting Evidence
- The DRD4 7R allele is commonly observed in various human populations.
- Previous studies suggested positive selection on the DRD4 7R allele based on its unique features.
- The study found no significant extended linkage disequilibrium from the DRD4 7R allele to SNPs outside the DRD4 locus.
- Empirical P-values from neutrality tests indicated no evidence of recent positive selection.
Takeaway
Scientists looked at a gene related to dopamine and found no proof that a specific version of it was favored by evolution recently.
Methodology
The study genotyped DNA samples from HapMap subjects for the DRD4 VNTR and conducted neutrality tests including long range haplotype test and iHS test.
Limitations
The study's power to detect selection may be low due to the selection intensity being too weak.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 56 subjects from YRI, 55 from CEU, 39 from JPT, and 44 from CHB.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website