Know Your Genes: HLADQ “The Gluten Intolerance Gene”
Verified
Last updated: October 10, 2020
The Human Leukocyte Antigen system (HLA) gene is associated with the synthesis of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), which are cell surface proteins that are associated with the regulation of the immune system. There are six single nucleotide polymorphisms of this gene complex, HLA DQ(rs7454108), HLA DQ 2.5 (rs2187668), HLA DQ 2.2 (rs7775228, rs2395182, rs4713586) and HLA DQ7 (rs4639334) which have been shown to be associated with gluten intolerance.
Association with Gluten Intolerance:
Farming and agriculture introduced humans to new proteins about 10,000 years ago. Gluten is one such protein present in wheat, which makes bread light and springy as it traps steam and carbon-di-oxide when the dough rises during baking. However, this protein cannot be completely broken down into amino acids like other proteins are. Instead it is broken down to the peptides- gliadin and glutenin. People with certain variants of the gene have been shown to react to these peptides, giving rise to classic symptoms of gluten intolerance like diarrhea, stomach cramps, tiredness and abdominal bloating.
Celiac disease is a severe form of gluten intolerance and it is found to affect 1% of the population. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a mild form of gluten intolerance. In India, more than 10% of the population has gluten intolerance.
The HLA DQ genes have been shown to be strong genetic predictors of celiac disease. In a study conducted to assess the genetic predisposition to gluten intolerance, nearly all the patients with celiac disease had the risk allele in the HLA DQ2 and the HLA DQ8 gene, with the absence of these variants in 100% of people without celiac disease. In a study conducted to analyze the human leukocyte antigen alleles, people with the G variant of HLA DQ(rs7454108), T variant of HLA DQ 2.5 (rs2187668), G variant of HLA DQ 2.2 (rs7775228), T variant of HLA DQ 2.2 (rs2395182), G variant of HLA DQ 2.2 (rs4713586) and A variant of HLA DQ7 (rs4639334) were shown to be associated with predicting a reaction to gluten in the diet.
Does your 23andme,Ancestry DNA, FTDNA raw data have HLA DQ gene variant information?
It is important to choose an appropriate diet based on the genetic profile
For people with Risk Variant (Gluten Intolerant) People with gluten intolerance should completely avoid gluten in their food. There are many gluten free products available in the market. Rice is gluten free, which could be the reason behind the low prevalence of gluten intolerance among South Indians. People with moderate risk should watch out for symptoms associated with gluten intolerance and avoid it from the diet, only if there are symptoms.
For people with Normal Variant (Gluten Tolerant) Continue to include gluten in the diet as there is minimal risk associated with developing gluten intolerance.
“Nutrigenetics, fitness genetics, health genetics are all nascent but rapidly growing areas within human genetics. The information provided herein is based on preliminary scientific studies and it is to be read and understood in that context.”
Customer services promptly replied to my email, and the information on genetic markers was very insightful!! All I needed was raw data dna file and was given accurate and useful dna info regarding disease markers.
Carole Warner
February 7, 2023
I have used Xcode more than once & am pleased with the information I get.
I first found Xcode when I was looking for a better and more thorough analysis than what the original 23&Me reports gave me in 2018. I wanted my raw data analyzed by an independent company and I found Xcode. I was pleased with the initial report and returned to Xcode for subsequent reports as they became available. I recommend Xcode to anyone seeking more information.
Heather Stewart
March 8, 2023
Quick and Thorough
The reports are so thorough and simple enough to understand. I had my results so fast and it really helped me to learn more about my health. Definitely would recommend this service.
H. Stewart
Date of experience: March 07, 2023
Kathy Koenig
October 8, 2024
Leveraged my Ancestry DNA data
A fast, low cost way to leverage my Ancestry DNA data that I had purchased years ago! I really appreciate the reports. Already using the info contained. Purchased reports for my loved ones as well. I’m learning so much!
Karpowicz Pawel
May 31, 2021
Simply the best DNA service
I am very pleased with Xcode professional service. My comprehensive reports was generated fast. I could find out a lot about my health, allergy, fitness, nutrition and skin info I never knew before from my raw DNA data. Xcode has the best deal prices on the internet. Highly recommended you won't regret.
