Objective: To explore the genetic polymorphism of HLA-DQA1 locus in Han nationality in Hunan province.
Method: Sixty samples randomly selected from healthy individuals of Han nationality in Hunan province were typed for HLA-DQA1 by PCR/SSP in combination with silver-staining PCR/SSCP.
Results: Ten types of HLA-DQA1 alleles were found in all 60 samples, HLA-DQA1*0302, *0501, *0102 were the common alleles with gene frequencies of 0.2254, 0.2254, and 0.2041 respectively. Twenty-six kinds of genotypes were found, and the genotype distribution fitted the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test (P > 0.05). Five samples which had ambiguity in their PCR/SSP typing were further clarified with PCR/SSCP analysis.
Conclusions: Normal gene frequency values of HLA-DQA1 alleles in Han nationality in Hunan province are provided; PCR/SSCP can be used to eliminate the ambiguity which might exist in PCR/SSP typing for HLA-DQA1 locus.