title: Detection of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the IL-6 promoter region of ancient nuclear DNA.
abstract: In the current study a method was developed to examine the G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position -174 in the IL-6 promoter from nuclear DNA samples isolated from human skeletal remains from Manitoba, Canada, dating to as early as 3500 years ago. The IL-6 (-174) SNP was detected in three ancient samples and determined, as expected, in three out of three to be homozygous G/G. The analysis of cytokine SNPs of ancient nuclear DNA may provide novel insights into the genetic basis of autoimmune diseases and the susceptibility/resistance to infectious agents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anthropology, University of Manitoba, 435 Fletcher Argue Bldg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 5V5. larcombe@mts.net
authors.forename: Linda A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Larcombe
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nickerson
authors.forename: Robert D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Hoppa
authors.forename: Carney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Matheson
mesh_terms: D000883:Anthropology / Q000379:methods; D004247:DNA / Q000266:history*; D049690:History, Ancient; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000266:history; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics*; D008350:Manitoba; D010161:Paleodontology; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6; D004247:DNA