Trends in Genetics
Volume 8, Issue 4, April 1992, Pages 138-143
Journal home page for Trends in Genetics

Review
The molecular basis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-9525(92)90372-BGet rights and content

Abstract

With more than 300 different variants reported, the human enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD; EC 1.1.1.49) is one of the most polymorphic proteins known. An estimated 400 million people throughout the world are deficient in G6PD; numerous lines of evidence indicate that this is because female heterozygotes have a selective advantage in malaria infections. The cloning of the G6PD gene has made it possible to clarify the molecular basis underlying this enzyme deficiency and polymorphism.

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