Transferrin C subtypes in different ethnic groups

The frequencies of transferrin C subtypes were studied in a number of different ethnic groups. The transferrin gene C2 was found to be polymorphic in all populations studied with the possible exception of Polynesians. The highest frequency of the C2 gene was found in Japanese (26 %) and the lowest in Africans (5–6 %). In European populations the C2 frequency varied from 9 to 19 %. Central Sweden and Finland had lower C2 frequencies than the rest of Europe. Swedish Lapps had a C2 frequency similar to that in Northern Sweden and Northern Europe. Placental extracts were found to be suitable for the study of transferrin variants. The Tf phenotype observed in placental extracts corresponded to that of the mother.