The tau H2 haplotype is almost exclusively Caucasian in origin

We, have assessed the distribution of the tau H1/H2 haplotype in the publicly available reference series of samples with representatives of most racial groups. This analysis shows that the H2 haplotype is probably exclusively Caucasian in origin and its marginal occurrence in other racial groups is likely to reflect admixture. We discuss this observation in terms of the origin of the H2 haplotype and the epidemiology of the tauopathies. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.