Selective Heterozygous Advantage of Carriers of с.-23+1G>A Mutation in GJB2 Gene Causing Autosomal Recessive Deafness 1A

Abstract

We present the results of analysis of skin epidermis thickness in individuals with recessive mutation c.-23+1G>A in the GJB2 gene in comparison with individuals without this mutation living in Eastern Siberia (Yakut population). We examined 152 individuals with different genotypes by GJB2 gene mutation c.-23+1G>A. Homozygotes and heterozygotes by c.-23+1G>A have thicker epidermal layer (0.245 mm and 0.269 mm, respectively) in comparison with individuals without this mutation (0.193 mm) (p<0.05). The obtained data support the hypothesis about selective advantage of carriers of mutant GJB2 gene alleles and partly explain extremely high carrier frequency (10.3%) of c.-23+1G>A mutation in the GJB2 gene in Yakut population in Eastern Siberia.