HBB

Human evolution

Malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum is a major selective factor in human evolution. It has influenced mutations in HBB in various degrees resulting in the existence of numerous HBB variants. Some of these mutations are not directly lethal and instead confer resistance to malaria, particularly in parts of the world where malaria is epidemic. For example, there is evidence that the sickle cell mutation, common in people of African descent, provides a degree of resistance to severe malaria. Thus, HBB mutations are the sources of positive selection in these regions and are important for their long-term survival. Such selection markers are important for tracing human ancestry and diversification from Africa.