Beta-Thalassemia in Iran: New Insight into the Role of Genetic Admixture and Migration

Abstract

Iran with an area of 1.648 million km2is located between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. The Iranian population consists of multiethnic groups that have been influenced by various invasions and migration throughout history. Studies have revealed the presence of more than 47 differentβ-globin gene mutations responsible forβ-Thalassemia in Iran. This paper is an attempt to study the origin ofβ-Thalassemia mutations in different parts of Iran. Distribution ofβ-Thalassemia mutations in Iran shows different patterns in different areas.β-Thalassemia mutations have been a reflection of people and area in correlation with migration and origin of ancestors. We compared the frequencies ofβ-globin mutations in different regions of Iran with those derived from neighboring countries. The analysis provided evidence of complementary information about the genetic admixture and migration of some mutations, as well as the remarkable genetic classification of the Iranian people and ethnic groups.