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Genes involved in damage response caused by UV radiation in Ecuadorian population of different altitude regions

Abstract:

Ecuador has various regions at different altitudes. It is known that at high altitudes, organisms experience multiple stressors, including exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The UV radiation exposure increases when getting closer to the Equator line. Consequently, cities in the Ecuadorian inter-Andean region and located at 2,800-3,000 m above sea level (masl) are exposed to UV levels approximately 40% higher than those of the lowlands. UV light is a carcinogen that causes mutations, DNA damage and cellular apoptosis. However, the XPC, XPD and XPG genes encode proteins that repair DNA caused by UV radiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of three polymorphisms (rs2228001, rs13181 and rs17655) involved in the response to the damage caused by UV radiation in the Ecuadorian populations of high and low altitudes, and thus, correlate the ancestral proportions of these populations. Results showed that the behavior of both groups located at different altitudes is similar. The ancestry of these groups exhibited that the Native American component prevails, and the European and African component varies.