THE GENETIC AND EPIGENETIC BASIS OF LACTOSE INTOLERANCE IN THE ADULTHOOD

Rosa Eréndira Sierra Puente, Jorge Alberto Burciaga Nava, Miguel Arturo Reyes Romero

Abstract


The LCT gene encodes the synthesis of lactase; gene expression and lactase activity are high in newborns, but after
ablation they become depressed; thus, the adult has lactose intolerance due to little or no lactase activity. The MCM6 gene
contains an enhancer region with profound effects on LCT expression. A SNP (C>T) located upstream from the start site of the transcription of the
LCT gene at position -13910 is the main responsible of lactase persistence in some people because the T-allele is not subject of methylation, which
is the main mechanism of silencing of the LCT gene. Knowledge about whether lactose intolerance has this origin is important to guide alimentary
interventions.


Keywords


Lactose, Lactase, Lactase Persistence, LCT Gene, MCM6 Gene

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References


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