Studies on Single-nucleotide Polymorphisms in the FUT2 Gene and Their Association with Host Susceptibility to Rotavirus Infection of P[4] and P[8] Genotypes

Abstract

Rotavirus is a segmented double stranded ribonucleic acid virus with typical surface antigens, viral protein 7 and viral protein 4. Almost 5 million children all over world are reported to be infected with this virus. In vitro studies have shown binding of rhesus rotavirus surface protein with 'Sia' groups of a histo blood group antigens (HBGAs). In case of humans, rotavirus type A is more prevalent. The precise genomic diversity of ABO (H) and Lewis Blood Group System in various ethnic populations may provide plausible explanation for prevalence of specific P genotypes. Present study aims to identify role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the host FUT-2 gene in the host susceptibility to risk of rotavirus infection of P genotypes.The study indicates that null allele at certain loci of fucosyltransferase-2 (FUT2) gene, also known as secretor (Se) gene leads to lack of functionally active enzyme. This results in absence of α-1/2 fucosylated glycan and may protect the child against rotavirus infection of specific strain. FUT2 gene alleles at loci 428 (AA) and 302 (TT) are found to be associated with group A rotaviruses. Both these alleles were frequent in population under study. Presence of any of these allele in children of Indian origin leads to non-secretor phenotype and hence if exposed to P[4] and P[8] genotypes of rotavirus, can resist the infection.