Human plasma protein polymorphisms and the persistence of cultural diversity

Human plasma protein polymorphisms and the persistence of cultural diversity

Recently, Laitin et al. (1) reported on the roots of cultural diversity. Geographic axis ratios for individual countries help to understand the diversity of language, showing more diversity in north–south oriented countries. We believe that genetic factors related to vitamin requirements also should be taken into account as confounders. Human long distance migration has been limited by availability of vitamin C and D. Biological half-life of vitamins C and D in man is largely determined by genetic polymorphisms of plasma proteins such as haptoglobin (Hp) and vitamin D binding protein (DBP) (2, 3). These polymorphisms are in a state of transient gene …

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1211000109

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