The goal of the proposed research is to investigate the molecular population genetics underlying clinal variation at the human acid phosphatase locus (ACP1). Allele frequencies of this protein show a strong correlation with mean annual temperature among human populations, indicating the possible role of natural selection in shaping patterns of variability. We will evaluate this hypothesis by sequencing two portions of the ACP1 gene using a nested sampling design that incorporates both a global human diversity panel and individual population panels from different portions of the cline. Addressing variation of ACP1 at these scales we will be able to characterize the form and strength of selection operating on the locus, and also distinguish how these patterns vary over the cline in ACP1 variability. To date, we have very few examples of human genes that have evolved in response to different physical environments, despite the existence of numerous phenotypic traits that indicate that these challenges have played a strong role in shaping modern patterns of human diversity. With ACP1 we have the opportunity to fill this gap and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying natural selection at this locus. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32GM070294-01
Application #
6740724
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F08 (20))
Program Officer
Wolfe, Paul B
Project Start
2004-01-12
Project End
2006-01-11
Budget Start
2004-01-12
Budget End
2005-01-11
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$42,976
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Arizona
Department
Type
Organized Research Units
DUNS #
806345617
City
Tucson
State
AZ
Country
United States
Zip Code
85721
Wilder, Jason A; Hammer, Michael F (2004) European ACP1*C allele has recessive deleterious effects on early life viability. Hum Biol 76:817-35