Molecular mechanisms of Lewis antigen expression.
Lewis antigens comprise type 1 (Lewis a, Lewis b) and type 2 (Lewis X, Lewis Y) carbohydrates. Lewis X and Lewis Y are regarded as tumor-associated markers, and some of these antigens and their derivatives interact with selectins, mediating cell-to-cell adhesion. In addition, Lewis b on the gastric epithelial surface has been identified as an acceptor for attachment of Helicobacter pylori. In this review, we describe the regulation the expression of type 1 Lewis antigens on erythrocytes or digestive organs by two genes (FUT2 and FUT3), and the ethnic specificity of the polymorphism of these genes for forensic use.
Soejima
Mikiko
M
Department of Forensic Medicine and Human Genetics, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.
Koda
Yoshiro
Y
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics; D005647:Fucosyltransferases / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression; D005828:Genetics, Population; D006801:Humans; D007983:Lewis Blood Group Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D007983:Lewis Blood Group Antigens; D005647:Fucosyltransferases