Allele

An allele is one of a number of alternative forms of the gene. Each person under normal circumstances carries two alleles for each gene, one inherited from his father and the other from his mother. Many genes have multiple versions or alleles, such as hair color, eye, or blood groups. Although a person may be a carrier of maximum two alleles, in overall population, the number of alleles available for each gene is variable. In essence, an allele is a difference in the DNA sequence compared to other alleles. The difference in DNA sequence can lead to a difference in gene that encodes protein. The variability of allele’s combinations in individuals is the basis of their genetic diversity.

Pharmacogenetics pays specific interest to alleles of genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 family,  in which different combinations of alleles may influence the response to drugs.

Dr. Juan Sabater-Tobella

European Specialist in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4)Member of the Pharmacogenomics Research NetworkMember of the International Society of Pharmacogenomics and Outcomes ResearchPresidente de EUGENOMIC®

Last modified: Nov 20, 2018 @ 5:26 pm