HAPLOTYPE ANALYSIS OF THE MEXICAN FRAMESHIFT CD-11(-T) AND -28A-]C BETA-THALASSEMIA ALLELES

The origins of the -28 A-->C and frameshift Cd 11-T(Fs Cd 11 -T) allel es were investigated by beta-globin duster haplotype analysis. These a lleles were found in a Mexican mestizo family with beta-thalassemia (b eta-thal). The -28 A-->C mutation was described previously in Kurdish Jews linked to the most common haplotype in the world (+----++), the s ame haplotype observed in this Mexican family. Therefore, it is not po ssible to assess a new origin of the -28 A-->C mutation in our populat ion. The Fs Cd 11 -T allele, not reported to date in any other populat ions, was linked to the -++--+- haplotype (sixth in frequency in the w orld). This haplotype has not been reported in association with any be ta-thal mutant, suggesting a Mexican origin for the Cd 11 -T mutation. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.