The linkage disequilibrium pattern of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene in Arabic and Asian population groups.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: DNA variations within the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene have been shown to be involved in the aetiology of several common diseases and the therapeutic response. METHODS: This study reports a comparison of haplotype analysis of five SNPs in the ACE gene region using a sample of 100 healthy subjects derived from five different populations (Tunisian, Iranian, Kuwaiti, Bahraini and Indian). RESULTS: Strong linkage disequilibrium was found among all SNPs studied for all populations. Two SNPs (rs1800764 and rs4340) were identified as key SNPs for all populations. CONCLUSIONS: These SNPs will be valuable for future effective association studies of the ACE gene polymorphisms in Arab and Asian populations.