ACP1 and human adaptability 2. Association with season of conception

Abstract

We have studied the pattern of association between the season of conception and cytosolic low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase (ACP1) genetic polymorphism in 329 consecutively newborn infants from the population of Penne and 361 consecutively newborn infants from the population of Rome. In addition, 329 mothers were studied in the population of Penne. A concordant, highly significant association was observed in the two populations between ACP1 parameters and the season of conception of newborn infants. The total activity of ACP1 shows a minimum in infants conceived in January-February and a maximum in those conceived at the end of the solar year. Analysis of the joint mother-newborn ACP1 distribution in relation to the season of fertilisation has shown that among mothers carrying ACP1*A (the allele showing the lowest activity), the proportion of newborns carrying this allele is higher in those conceived in the first months of the year than in those conceived subsequently. Since ACP1 probably functions as a phosphotyrosine phosphatase and as a flavin mononucleotide phosphatase, low activity could enhance the metabolic rate and would be advantageous in a cold environment. The cycle of variation of ACP1 in infants follows the cycle of solar illumination. It is possible that individuals who have a genetic background allowing them to adapt easily and readily to seasonal demand are more successful in reproducing themselves. The population of zygotes conceived in a given season would therefore reproduce the pattern of gene combination more fit for that season.

Adenosine deaminase-acid phosphatase association and the environment: A study in a continental Italian population

“…Further evidence in favor of an important role of ACP1 in the adaptation to a cold environment is suggested by the increased proportion of the ACP1*A allele in infants conceived in the cold season (Gloria-Bottini et al, 1996a, 1997b. This hypothesis is consistent with functions recently suggested for ACP1.…”

The effects of genetic and seasonal factors on reproductive success

“…Our data have shown that among mothers carrying the ACP1*A allele (the allele showing the lowest activity), the proportion of newborns carrying this allele is higher in those conceived in the first months of the year than in those conceived in subsequent periods (4). Owing to its functions as a phosphotyrosine phosphatase and as an FMN phosphatase, ACP1 phenotypes with low enzymatic activity could be able to enhance the metabolic rate and would therefore be advantageous in a cold environment.…”

“…This may be connected both to the effect on the insulin receptor (29) and to the effect on the concentration of FMN, suggesting increased metabolic activity in carriers of the low-activity ACP1 genotypes. Our group has shown an increased frequency of the ACP*A allele in infants conceived in the cold season (3,4).…”

“…We have previously shown an association between season of conception and the neonatal genotype of cytosolic low-molecular-weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase (cLMPTP or ACP1) (3,4), which suggests seasonal variation of genotype-specific fertility.…”

Seasonal Pattern of Phototherapy: A Study in the Sardinian Population

“…More recent, interest has been centred on the relationship between the season of birth and performance in school, sports, and in public and scientific sectors (Dudink, 1994;Azevedo et al, 1995;Holmes, 1995;Gloria-Bottini, 1996). Some genetic parameters bear a relationship with the season of the conception (Gloria- Bottini et al, 1997;Bottini et al, 2001;Bjorksten, 1999) suggesting that the population of zygotes conceived in a given season reproduces the pattern of parental gene combinations more successful in reproductive activity during that season.…”