The Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Lactose Intolerance in the Adulthood

Rosa Erendira Sierra Puente; Jorge Alberto Burciaga Nava; Miguel Arturo Reyes Romero

Volume : IX, Issue : XII, December - 2019

The Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Lactose Intolerance in the Adulthood

Rosa Erendira 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.