The architecture of the tau haplotype block in different ethnicities

We have assessed the pattern of the extended haplotype block over the tau gene which covers a region of ∼2 Mb in different ethnicities. This analysis shows that the pattern of linkage disequilibrium over the tau region is shared by different ethnic groups indicating that haplotype structure in human is ancient. We discuss this observation in terms of the establishment of the haplotype structure and the possible impact of the tau haplotype on neurodegeneration in humans.