Population Genetics
Part 2

An examination of the origin and frequency of HD

Where did the HD allele originate?

It is generally accepted that there have been multiple origins of the HD allele. Currently, it is thought that separate new mutations have taken place in Europe, Japan, and Africa.

Researchers came to this conclusion by comparing the genetic sequences of the Huntington gene. They have found that there are significant differences between the European, Japanese, and African HD genes. If one HD allele were responsible for all of the HD cases in the world, you would find strikingly similar HD alleles in all persons with HD – not the distinct varieties that are actually found. Such differences therefore suggest that the HD allele originated independently in these three regions.

Last Modified: 04/12/2007

An educational product of HOPES, not to be used in place of medical care. For more information about HOPES, click on the Logo. To contact HOPES with comments or questions, click here.