The genetic blood disorders sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia are caused by errors in the genes for hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. In utero, the gamma-globin gene produces fetal hemoglobin, but after birth, this gene is switched off and the beta-globin gene is turned on, producing adult hemoglobin. Patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia have mutations in the beta-globin gene, which leads to mutant hemoglobin production and serious health complications, ranging from delayed growth to chronic pain and stroke.
Researchers identify novel factors involved in silencing fetal hemoglobin
The genetic blood disorders sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia are caused by errors in the genes for hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. In utero, the gamma-globin gene produces fetal hemoglobin, but after birth, this gene is switched off and the beta-globin gene is turned on, producing adult hemoglobin. Patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia have mutations in the beta-globin gene, which leads to mutant hemoglobin production and serious health complications, ranging from delayed growth to chronic pain and stroke.