ACP1 and human adaptability 2. Association with season of conception

We have studied the pattern of association between the season of conception and cytosolic low molecular weight phosphotyrosine phosphatase (ACP1) genetic polymorphism in 329 consecutively newborn infants from the population of Penne and 361 consecutively newborn infants from the population of Rome. In addition, 329 mothers were studied in the population of Penne. A concordant, highly significant association was observed in the two populations between ACP1 parameters and the season of conception of newborn infants. The total activity of ACP1 shows a minimum in infants conceived in January–February and a maximum in those conceived at the end of the solar year. Analysis of the joint mother-newborn ACP1 distribution in relation to the season of fertilisation has shown that among mothers carrying ACP1*A (the allele showing the lowest activity), the proportion of newborns carrying this allele is higher in those conceived in the first months of the year than in those conceived subsequently. Since ACP1 probably functions as a phosphotyrosine phosphatase and as a flavin mononucleotide phosphatase, low activity could enhance the metabolic rate and would be advantageous in a cold environment. The cycle of variation of ACP1 in infants follows the cycle of solar illumination. It is possible that individuals who have a genetic background allowing them to adapt easily and readily to seasonal demand are more successful in reproducing themselves. The population of zygotes conceived in a given season would therefore reproduce the pattern of gene combination more fit for that season. Received: 15 June 1997 / Accepted: 31 July 1997