Learn → Glossary → biochemistry

Lactase Persistence (LCT)

Genetic trait, controlled by cis-regulatory variants upstream of the LCT gene, in which lactase activity persists into adulthood, allowing digestion of lactose; absent in the majority of the world's adults.

Also: LCT, LCT-13910 C/T, Lactase non-persistence

Approximately 65% of the global adult population has lactase non-persistence (the ancestral state). The MCM6 -13910 C/T variant is the major European lactase persistence allele; multiple independent persistence alleles arose in pastoralist African populations. Lactose maldigestion in non-persisters does not always cause clinical lactose intolerance; symptoms depend on dose, gut transit, and microbiota.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 38: Nutritional Genomics

    Approximately 65% of the global adult population has lactase non-persistence (the ancestral state). The MCM6 -13910 C/T variant is the major European lactase persistence allele; multiple independent persistence alleles arose in pastoralist African populations. Lactose maldigestion in non-persisters does not always cause clinical lactose intolerance; symptoms depend on dose, gut transit, and microbiota.

Related terms

Lactose intolerance, Nutrigenomics