Racial differences in CYP1A1 genotype and function

The cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) gene may be of critical importance in determining individual cancer susceptibility to aromatic hydrocarbons such as those in tobacco smoke. We compared the frequencies of CYP1A1 haplotypes, and complete genotypes, taking into account polymorphisms at 3 sites, including an African-specific polymorphism. No concordance was observed in Africans or African-Americans between any of the 3 polymorphisms, (Mspl restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) - 'M', exon 7 - 'E', new RFLP - 'A') in contrast to the concordance seen between the M and E polymorphisms in Caucasians and Asians. We observed an effect of the E polymorphism on enzyme activity and mRNA induction in Asians and Caucasians.