Systematic screening for CYP3A4 genetic polymorphisms in a Han Chinese population

Aim: To systematically investigate the genetic polymorphisms of the CYP3A4 gene in a Han Chinese population. Materials & methods: The promoter and exons of CYP3A4 gene in 1114 unrelated, healthy Han Chinese subjects were amplified and genotyped by direct sequencing. Results: In total, five previously reported alleles (*1G, * 4, * 5, *18B and * 23) were detected, of which one allele (*23) was reported for the first time in Han Chinese population. Additionally, seven novel exonic variants were also identified and designated as new alleles CYP3A4* 28-*34. Conclusion: This study provides the most comprehensive data of CYP3A4 polymorphisms in Han Chinese population and detects the largest number of novel CYP3A4 alleles in one ethnic group.