Genetic variation of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II in three racial/ethnic groups: implications for prostate cancer risk.
BACKGROUND
Elevated prostatic dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has been suggested to increase the risk of prostate cancer. The HSD3B2 gene encodes the type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: one of two enzymes that initiate the inactivation of DHT. Thus, the HSD3B2 gene is a candidate gene for predisposition to prostate cancer.


METHODS
We have determine the distribution of a complex dinucleotide repeat in the HSD3B2 gene in high-risk African-Americans, intermediate-risk Euro-Americans, and low-risk Asians. Genomic DNA from 312 individuals was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed by electrophoresis on denaturing polyacrylamide gels.


RESULTS
We have found that certain alleles are either unique to or much more common in either African-Americans, Asians, or Euro-Americans. Our data also substantially expand the number of alleles reported for the complex dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in the HSD3B2 gene.


CONCLUSIONS
Our report demonstrates substantial genetic variation in the HSD3B2 gene. We hypothesize that allelic variants of the HSD3B2 gene may play a role in predisposition to prostate cancer, and in explaining the substantial racial/ethnic variation in risk.
Devgan
S A
SA
Department of Biochemistry, University of Southern California School of Medicine, USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles 90033, USA.
Henderson
B E
BE
Yu
M C
MC
Shi
C Y
CY
Pike
M C
MC
Ross
R K
RK
Reichardt
J K
JK
D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics*; D000483:Alleles; D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics; D044383:Black People / Q000235:genetics; D018900:Dinucleotide Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms; D044469:Racial Groups; D012307:Risk Factors; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics; D001741:Black or African American
D007527:Isoenzymes; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases