ping
Still, on the Subject of Genes
Now hear this ... It was recently reported that survivors of the Black
Death that ravaged Europe in the 14th century may have given their
descendants an unexpected gift - a genetic mutation that protects them
from the AIDS virus.
So suggest US researches in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The
study's authors say today, nearly one person of European descent in 10
has that mutation. Technically, this trait affects a gene for an element
well known by AIDS specialists: the receptor CCR5.
Found near the surface of immune system cells, called macrophages, the
receptor allows the HIV virus to attach to the cell and infect it.
Scientists have known for some time that people who carry two copies of
these mutant genes - traits inherited from both parents - are virtually
immune to the HIV virus.
Those who have one copy of the mutation - known as CCR5 delta 32 - can
be infected by the virus but remain healthier longer than those without
the trait.
Specialists established that this mutation occurred mostly in whites,
especially those from northern Europe. It is less common among Southern
and Eastern Europeans and Central Asians, and does not exist in Africans
and people from Eastern Asia.
Now you all know as much about the subject as I do ... now we know why
some people sleep around and don't get full blown AIDS (they may be
carriers!) while others get it from just one unfortunate mating choice.
No fair! Then again ... karma could be at play here, no? SIGH ...
http://meinah.tripod.com/FFT/genes.html