The CCR5-Delta 32 Genetic Mutation and Human Evolution
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published 27/11/2007
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SummaryGenetic mutations are not uncommon. They can happen for a variety of reasons and have a variety of effects. Those with negative effects are weeded out by natural selection, and those with positive effects prevail and are accumulated due to natural selection. These mutations can be caused by a variety of reasons such as copying errors during cell division, exposure to ultraviolet rays and viruses, or can happen deliberately (Wikipedia). Most mutations have no effect on a species or its individuals because DNA repair is quite successful in fixing most mistakes before they become permanent. But there are very few mutations which have beneficial consequences. One such mutation that results in benefits for a species/individuals that make it up, is the CCR5-Delta32 mutation. During this mutation the Delta32 base pair is deleted in human CCR5 which results in immunity to HIV Type 1 (if homozygous) or increased resistance to AIDS (if heterozygous) (Wikipedia). The very controversial current argument on this subject asks several questions: if the absence of the CCR5-Delta32 is ultimately beneficial to humans, or if its negative side effects outweigh the benefits; as well as, where the origins of this mutation are.
Table of Contents
- The CCR5-Delta32 mutation is quite a recent discovery which is highly debated and still very circumstantial.
- There is also another possibility that this mutation is much older and has resulted due to smallpox outbreaks in Europe, which is the less popular theory.
- Along with protecting against HIV, the allele also protects against smallpox and the plague.
- Many aspects of CCR5-Delta32 are highly controversial. Its origins alone have split the scientific community.
- The basic question asks which is more beneficial: the absence of the CCR5 receptor or its existence?
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