During Terminal Differentiation, HbF-Inducing Cytokines Cause Decreased Expression and Reduced Globin Locus Occupancy of BCL11A in Human Erythroblasts.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 457-457
Author(s):  
Orapan Sripichai ◽  
Christine M. Kiefer ◽  
Y. Terry Lee ◽  
Emily Riehm Meier ◽  
Colleen Byrnes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Culture Condition ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Terminal Differentiation ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Adult Human

Abstract Abstract 457 Genetic association studies and gene regulation studies demonstrate that the transcription factor BCL11A is a regulator of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression in humans. Cytokine signal transduction also regulates fetal hemoglobin expression in cultured adult human erythroblasts. To further explore the potential for BCL11A in the cytokine-mediated induction of HbF during adult erythropoiesis, transcript and protein expression levels of BCL11A were measured during erythroblast differentiation. BCL11A expression was detected at all stages of erythroid differentiation with the highest level expression in proerythroblasts during the first week in culture under both low-HbF (%HbF ≤3) and high-HbF (%HbF ≥30) culture conditions. Despite a reduction in BCL11A mRNA expression, Western analyses failed to demonstrate reduced levels of BCL11A nuclear protein expression at the proerythroblast stage of differentiation. However, BCL11A protein expression in the high-HbF producing cells was reduced relative to the low-HbF cells during the later period of culture as the cells underwent terminal differentiation. During this later culture period, hemoglobinization occurred, and cells grown in the high-HbF condition revealed a pancellular distribution of HbF compared with a heterocellular distribution in the low-HbF culture condition. Chromatin immunoprecipitation further demonstrated that the addition of HbF-inducing cytokines caused a nearly complete loss of BCL11A chromatin occupancy within the beta-globin locus under the high-HbF culture condition. Specifically, the loss of chromatin occupancy was detected in a region approximately 3 kb downstream of the (A)gamma-globin gene. Further examination of this genomic region demonstrated several BCL11A binding domains located on a cluster of non-coding, intronless RNAs previously named “BGL3” that possess an expression pattern in vivo that is largely restricted to the fetal-liver. In addition to increased and pancellular expression of fetal hemoglobin in the high-HbF erythroblasts, the loss of BCL11A chromatin occupancy in that region of the beta-globin locus was associated with increased expression of BGL3 mRNA (GenBank: AY034471) measured by RT-PCR. These findings demonstrate that defined combinations of cytokines regulate the expression level and chromatin occupancy of BCL11A in adult human erythroblasts as they undergo terminal differentiation. In addition to inheritance and ontogeny, the data also support a role for BCL11A in the regulation of HbF by cytokine signal transduction. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Cytokine-mediated increases in fetal hemoglobin are associated with globin gene histone modification and transcription factor reprogramming

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (11) ◽  
pp. 2299-2306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orapan Sripichai ◽  
Christine M. Kiefer ◽  
Natarajan V. Bhanu ◽  
Toshihiko Tanno ◽  
Seung-Jae Noh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Histone Modification ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Transcriptome Profiling ◽  
Globin Genes

Abstract Therapeutic regulation of globin genes is a primary goal of translational research aimed toward hemoglobinopathies. Signal transduction was used to identify chromatin modifications and transcription factor expression patterns that are associated with globin gene regulation. Histone modification and transcriptome profiling were performed using adult primary CD34+ cells cultured with cytokine combinations that produced low versus high levels of gamma-globin mRNA and fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Embryonic, fetal, and adult globin transcript and protein expression patterns were determined for comparison. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed RNA polymerase II occupancy and histone tail modifications consistent with transcriptional activation only in the high-HbF culture condition. Transcriptome profiling studies demonstrated reproducible changes in expression of nuclear transcription factors associated with high HbF. Among the 13 genes that demonstrated differential transcript levels, 8 demonstrated nuclear protein expression levels that were significantly changed by cytokine signal transduction. Five of the 8 genes are recognized regulators of erythropoiesis or globin genes (MAFF, ID2, HHEX, SOX6, and EGR1). Thus, cytokine-mediated signal transduction in adult erythroid cells causes significant changes in the pattern of globin gene and protein expression that are associated with distinct histone modifications as well as nuclear reprogramming of erythroid transcription factors.

HbF-Inducing Cytokines and BCL11A shRNA Have Combined Effects Upon Globin Gene Reprogramming In Adult Human Erythroblasts

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2076-2076
Author(s):  
Orapan Sripichai ◽  
Y. Terry Lee ◽  
Emily R. Meier ◽  
Jeffery L. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Signal Transduction ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Lentiviral Vectors ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Combined Effects ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Globin Mrna ◽  
Adult Human

Abstract Abstract 2076 Persistent expression of HbF ameliorates the clinical symptoms of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease; therefore, reactivation of the γ-globin gene in adults is of substantial interest for the clinical management of β-hemoglobinopathies. The recently identified γ-globin repressor, BCL11A, has been shown to regulate HbF expression level in adult erythroblasts. Cytokine signal transduction also increases HbF expression in cultured erythroblasts due in part to reducing the chromatin occupancy of BCL11A within the β-globin locus. Cultured CD34+ cells from at least six healthy research subjects were utilized to investigate the potential for combined effects of genetic manipulation of BCL11A with signal transduction upon globin gene regulation. The cells were transduced with BCL11A shRNA lentiviral vectors under culture conditions with and without addition of HbF-inducing cytokines. Under all culture conditions, nuclear BCL11A protein levels were reduced to nearly undetectable levels by the shRNA lentiviral vectors. The combination effects of BCL11A knockdown and HbF-inducing cytokines were quantitated by QRT-PCR. The absolute copy numbers of the eight globin genes (β-like genes; ε-, γ-, δ-, β-globins and α-like genes; ζ-, μ-, α- and θ-globins) at the proerythroblast stage of maturation were determined using standard curve methods. As previously reported, cytokine-mediated induction of HbF significantly increased the expression of γ-, ε-, and ζ-globin mRNAs while β- and δ-globins were down-regulated (p-value <0.05). BCL11A knockdown similarly increased in γ-globin mRNA, decreased β- and δ-globin mRNAs, as well as an unexpected increase in ε- and ζ-globin mRNAs. A significant reduction in α-globin mRNA was additionally detected in association with BCL11A knockdown. Although the transcript levels of several individual globin genes were affected, the total α- to non-α-globin ratio remained stable. The combination of BCL11A knockdown with cytokine signal transduction resulted in further increased γ-globin mRNA to levels of 78.1 ± 3.5% of the total transcripts from the β-globin cluster. Strongly synergistic effects of BCL11A knockdown and cytokine signal transduction were also detected in the embryonic genes. As a result, ε-globin mRNA reached levels of 8.7 ± 4.7% of the total transcripts from the β-globin cluster compared with 0.0003% in baseline cultures, 0.07 ± 0.03% in HbF-inducing cytokines alone, and 0.04 ± 0.03% in BCL11A knockdown alone. Hemoglobin expression was also examined in matured cells from the same donors using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The additive effects of BCL11A knockdown and HbF-inducing cytokines were shown by HPLC: %HbF = 2.0 ± 0.7 at baseline, 28.2 ± 14.1 in HbF-inducing cytokines alone, 47.6 ± 5.7 in BCL11A knockdown alone, and 74.9 ± 2.5 in BCL11A knockdown combined with HbF-inducing cytokines. Cation exchange HPLC further revealed reduced HbA along with an unidentified peak downstream of HbA2 encompassing 1–5% of the total hemoglobin that is being investigated for embryonic globin content. These data demonstrate that synergistic and robust effects upon globin gene reprogramming in adult human erythroblasts may be achieved by combined mechanisms of signal transduction and genetic manipulation of BCL11A. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Effects Of The Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitor UNC0638 Upon Gamma Globin Gene and Protein Expression Are Erythroblast Differentiation Stage Specific

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 3453-3453
Author(s):  
Ki Soon Kim ◽  
Colleen Byrnes ◽  
Y. Terry Lee ◽  
Jaira F. de Vasconcellos ◽  
Megha Kaushal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Erythroid Cells ◽  
Erythroid Progenitor ◽  
Gamma Globin ◽  
Adult Human ◽  
Gene And Protein Expression ◽  
Differentiation Stage

Abstract Epigenetic modification of chromatin in erythroid cells represents an active field of study aimed, in part, toward increased expression of fetal hemoglobin in patients with beta-thalassemia. The homologous methyltransferases G9a and GLP regulate globin gene transcription by catalyzing mono- and dimethylation at Lys 9 and dimethylation at Lys 27 of histone H3. Inhibition of these methyltransferases by the small molecule named UNC0638 was recently shown to increase gamma-globin gene expression in adult human hematopoietic precursor and stem cells. Here UNC0638 was explored further to include fetal hemoglobin expression among more mature erythroid cells cultured from CD34(+) cells of three healthy adult human donors in a serum-free culture medium. According to this culture model, the main erythroblast population on culture days 0-7 consists of CD36(+), CD45(+), CD71(moderate), CD235a(-) erythroid progenitor cell. On culture days 7-14, the progenitor cells differentiate in the presence of erythropoietin to become CD36(+), CD45(-), CD71(high), CD235a(+) precursor cells. During the final week in culture, the erythroblasts undergo nuclear condensation, enucleation, and loss of RNA combined with the loss of CD36 and CD71 on the plasma membrane to become mature erythrocytes. To investigate different stages of erythroblast maturation, the cells were cultured in medium containing 1µM UNC0638 for periods of seven days (culture days 0-7, 7-14, or 14-21) and compared to control cultures without UNC0638. The effects of UNC0638 were determined by flow cytometry, Q-RT-PCR and hemoglobin chromatography (HPLC). Unexpectedly, fetal hemoglobin expression was highly-dependent upon the differentiation stage of the cells in the presence of UNC0638. When cultured in UNC0638 supplemented medium on culture days 0-7 or 14-21, the cells underwent terminal maturation, but there was no significant increase in the fetal hemoglobin content of the mature cells (see abstract figure). In contrast, UNC0638 added on culture days 7-14, caused a significant increase in fetal hemoglobin (HbF; control: 3.9 ± 3.5% vs. day 7-14 UNC0638: 32.6 ± 0.95%, p=0.007). The increase in HbF was associated with a similar increase in gamma-globin mRNA (control: 1.5E+06 ± 1.7E+05 copies/ng vs. day 7-14 UNC0638: 7.5E+06 ± 1.4E+06 copies/ng, p=0.021). Additionally, terminal maturation and enucleation were partially inhibited when compared to the other conditions or controls. These data suggest that UNC0638 causes a robust increase in fetal hemoglobin as the cells undergo maturation. Fetal hemoglobin increases were more pronounced after exposure to UNC0638 during the erythropoietin-dependent transition from CD235a(-) to CD235a(+) erythroblasts. The results suggest that fetal hemoglobin regulation by G9a and GLP may be differentiation stage dependent. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Genetics and Epigenetics of Fetal Hemoglobin Control

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. SCI-12-SCI-12
Author(s):  
Stuart H. Orkin
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Gene Silencing ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Expression of fetal hemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) greatly ameliorates the severity of the major hemoglobin disorders, sickle cell disease (SCD), and the β-thalassemias. Efforts to reactivate HbF in adults with these disorders have relied on empirical observations or therapeutic modalities that are indirect. A major goal for the field is the development of targeted reactivation of HbF through relief of γ-globin gene silencing. The regulatory factors that participate in the switch from HbF to HbA in ontogeny and in γ-gene silencing in the adult have been elusive, therefore precluding mechanism-based reactivation of HbF. Recent findings, largely derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have transformed the current understanding of globin switching. This presentation will review recent evidence supporting direct involvement of the zinc-finger repressor protein BCL11A in both developmental switching of globins and HbF silencing in the adult. These studies include the impact of naturally occurring genetic variation at the BCL11A locus on HbF levels, proof-of-principle experiments in genetically engineered mice suggesting that interference with BCL11A action alone may be sufficient to provide therapeutic elevation of HbF, and the nature of protein partners of BCL11A that may mediate some aspects of BCL11A function. Recent findings on the manner in which genetic variation within the BCL11A locus influences BCL11A expression provide special insight into quantitative aspects of HbF regulation and raise the possibility of new strategies to cripple BCL11A. The opportunities and challenges for the development of mechanism-based reactivation of HbF will be discussed in the context of ongoing efforts to exploit small molecule and genetic approaches. The tools are in hand to translate an improved understanding of globin gene regulation for the benefit of patients with the major hemoglobin disorders. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals beta-thalassemia intermedia in a Brazilian patient with - 101(C > T) and codon 39 (C > T) mutations

2003 ◽  
Vol 121 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-30
Author(s):  
Sylvia Morais de Sousa ◽  
Letícia Khater ◽  
Luís Antônio Peroni ◽  
Karine Miranda ◽  
Marcelo Jun Murai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Course ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Hypochromic Anemia ◽  
Beta Thalassemia ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Thalassemia Intermedia ◽  
Mean Cell Volume ◽  
Molecular Alterations ◽  
Brazilian Patient

CONTEXT: We verified molecular alterations in a 72-year-old Brazilian male patient with a clinical course of homozygous beta-thalassemia intermedia, who had undergone splenectomy and was surviving without regular blood transfusions. The blood cell count revealed microcytic and hypochromic anemia (hemoglobin = 6.5 g/dl, mean cell volume = 74 fl, mean cell hemoglobin = 24 pg) and hemoglobin electrophoresis showed fetal hemoglobin = 1.3%, hemoglobin A2 = 6.78% and hemoglobin A = 79.4%. OBJECTIVE: To identify mutations in a patient with the symptoms of beta-thalassemia intermedia. DESIGN: Molecular inquiry into the mutations possibly responsible for the clinical picture described. SETTING: The structural molecular biology and genetic engineering center of the Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. PROCEDURES: DNA extraction was performed on the patient's blood samples. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done using five specific primers that amplified exons and the promoter region of the beta globin gene. The samples were sequenced and then analyzed via computer programs. RESULTS: Two mutations that cause the disease were found: -101 (C > T) and codon 39 (C > T). CONCLUSIONS: This case represents the first description of 101 (C > T) mutation in a Brazilian population and it is associated with a benign clinical course.

scholarly journals Molecular analysis of Japanese delta beta-thalassemia

Blood ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 1771-1776
Author(s):  
S Shiokawa ◽  
H Yamada ◽  
Y Takihara ◽  
E Matsunaga ◽  
Y Ohba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Beta Thalassemia ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Beta Globin Gene ◽  
Gamma Globin ◽  
Large Deletions ◽  
Deletion Junction

A DNA fragment containing the deletion junction region from a Japanese individual with homozygous delta beta-thalassemia has been cloned. A clone containing the normal DNA surrounding the 3′ breakpoint of this deletion and a clone carrying the G gamma- and A gamma-globin genes of this patient were also isolated. Sequences of the deletion junction and both gamma-globin genes were determined. A comparison of these sequences with previously determined sequences of the normal counterparts revealed that the 5′ breakpoint is located between 2,134 and 2,137 base pairs (bp) 3′ to the polyA site of the A gamma-globin gene, the 5′ breakpoint is located just downstream of the 3′ border of the fetal gamma-globin duplication unit, and no molecular defects are evident within the gamma-globin gene region. A comparison between the sequences of the normal DNA surrounding the 3′ breakpoint and the normal DNA surrounding the 5′ breakpoint shows that deletion is the result of a nonhomologous recombination event. There are A+T-rich stretches near the 5′ and 3′ breakpoints in the normal DNA, and a portion of an Aly repeat is located in the region 3′ to the 3′ breakpoint. Southern blot analysis using probes 3′ to the beta-globin gene showed that the deletion extends in the 3′ direction further than any other deletions associated with delta beta-thalassemia and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) heretofore reported. These results are discussed in terms of the mechanism generating large deletions in mammalian cells and three models for the regulation of gamma-globin and beta-globin gene expression in humans.

scholarly journals An analysis of fetal hemoglobin variation in sickle cell disease: the relative contributions of the X-linked factor, beta-globin haplotypes, alpha-globin gene number, gender, and age

Blood ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 1111-1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
YC Chang ◽  
KD Smith ◽  
RD Moore ◽  
GR Serjeant ◽  
GJ Dover
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Gene Number ◽  
Cohort Group ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
F Cells ◽  
Alpha Globin

Five factors have been shown to influence the 20-fold variation of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) levels in sickle cell anemia (SS): age, sex, the alpha-globin gene number, beta-globin haplotypes, and an X-linked locus that regulates the production of Hb F-containing erythrocytes (F cells), ie, the F-cell production (FCP) locus. To determine the relative importance of these factors, we studied 257 Jamaican SS subjects from a Cohort group identified by newborn screening and from a Sib Pair study. Linear regression analyses showed that each variable, when analyzed alone, had a significant association with Hb F levels (P < .05). Multiple regression analysis, including all variables, showed that the FCP locus is the strongest predictor, accounting for 40% of Hb F variation. beta-Globin haplotypes, alpha-globin genes, and age accounted for less than 10% of the variation. The association between the beta-globin haplotypes and Hb F levels becomes apparent if the influence of the FCP locus is removed by analyzing only individuals with the same FCP phenotype. Thus, the FCP locus is the most important factor identified to date in determining Hb F levels. The variation within each FCP phenotype is modulated by factors associated with the three common beta-globin haplotypes and other as yet unidentified factor(s).

scholarly journals Concordance of a point mutation 5' to the G gamma globin gene with G gamma beta +. Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin in the black population

Blood ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1292-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
FS Collins ◽  
CD Boehm ◽  
PG Waber ◽  
CJ Jr Stoeckert ◽  
SM Weissman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Mutation ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Black Population ◽  
Globin Genes ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Restriction Endonuclease Site ◽  
Benign Condition ◽  
The Third ◽  
Hereditary Persistence

Abstract Hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) is a genetically heterogeneous and clinically benign condition characterized by persistent expression of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) into adulthood. In the G gamma beta + type, no major deletions in the globin gene cluster occur; adult heterozygotes produce approximately 20% Hb F, which results from overproduction of G gamma chains, with no apparent increase in production from the adjacent A gamma gene. We have recently described a point mutation 202 base pairs 5′ to the cap site of the G gamma gene in an individual with G gamma beta + HPFH. This mutation abolishes a normal ApaI restriction endonuclease site, and thus can be detected by blotting of genomic DNA. We present here further data on the ApaI mutation: (1) It occurs in six of seven families with G gamma beta + HPFH. (2) In three families, detailed haplotype analysis using 11 polymorphic restriction sites in the beta globin cluster has been done. The two that carry the missing ApaI site are identical but the third, which has a normal ApaI pattern, differs from the other two in at least two sites, one of which is a new polymorphic Nco I site between the delta and beta globin genes. This suggests the possibility of a different HPFH mutation in the third family. (3) The haplotype of the G gamma beta + HPFH chromosome carrying the ApaI mutation is different from that of 108 beta A chromosomes of black individuals that have been tested. (4) The G gamma ApaI site is normal in 61 beta A and 109 beta S alleles from non-HPFH black individuals, including 22 who share the same haplotype for the intragenic G gamma, A gamma HindIII polymorphisms. These data add support to the possibility that the -202 mutation is actually causative of the G gamma beta + HPFH phenotype.

scholarly journals Fetal hemoglobin-containing cells have the same mean corpuscular hemoglobin as cells without fetal hemoglobin: a reciprocal relationship between gamma- and beta-globin gene expression in normal subjects and in those with high fetal hemoglobin production

Blood ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 1109-1113 ◽  
Author(s):  
GJ Dover ◽  
SH Boyer
Keyword(s):  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Transmitted Light ◽  
Red Cells ◽  
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Corpuscular Hemoglobin ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
F Cells

Abstract We have developed methodology that allows comparison of the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) of fetal hemoglobin (HbF)-containing red cells (F cells) with the MCH of non-F cells from the same individual. To do this, suspensions of peripheral blood erythrocytes and their internal contents are fixed with an imidodiester, dimethyl-3,3′- dithiobispropionimidate dihydrochloride (DTBP). Thereafter fixed cells are made permeable to antisera by treatment with Triton X-100 and isopropanol, reacted with a mouse monoclonal antibody (MoAb) against HbF, and then with fluorescein-conjugated antimouse IgG. No appreciable hemoglobin is lost during such manipulation. Red cells from a diversity of subjects were thus treated and examined microscopically, first by transmitted light and then by epifluorescence. A direct correlation between Coulter-derived MCH and mean absorbance of 415 nm transmitted light was found for 100 unfixed (r = 0.96) and for 100 antibody-treated fixed-permeabilized red cells (r = 0.99) among individuals selected so as to provide a range of Coulter MCH values between 20 and 35. Comparisons of microscopically derived MCH of F cells and non-F cells were statistically nondistinguishable (P greater than 0.05) in all subjects. Such comparisons included normal individuals (less than 1% F cells), SS patients (7% to 48% F cells), subjects with congenital anemia (22% to 65% F cells), individuals with heterocellular hereditary persistence of HbF (HPFH) (12% to 21% F cells), and heterozygotes for beta + thalassemia (11% to 31% F cells). We conclude that gamma- and beta-globin production within F cells is regulated in a reciprocal fashion both among normal individuals and among individuals with elevated HbF production.

scholarly journals A novel deletion of approximately 27 kb including the beta-globin gene and the locus control region 3'HS-1 regulatory sequence: beta zero- thalassemia or hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin?

Blood ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 822-827 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Dimovski ◽  
V Divoky ◽  
AD Adekile ◽  
E Baysal ◽  
JB Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Region ◽  
Globin Gene ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Locus Control Region ◽  
Regulatory Sequence ◽  
Beta Globin ◽  
Gamma Chain ◽  
Beta Globin Gene ◽  
Gamma Globin

Abstract A novel deletion of approximately 27 kb with the 5′ breakpoint 1.5 to 2.2 kb upstream of the beta-globin gene, and the 3′ breakpoint approximately 24 kb downstream of the beta-globin gene, has been found in five members of two families from Southeast Asia (Vietnam and Cambodia). Six members of another family from China, previously reported from our laboratory, have also been shown to carry this deletion. The patients presented with mild hypochromia and microcytosis, a hemoglobin (Hb) A2 level of approximately 4.0%, and a markedly increased, heterocellularly distributed, Hb F level (14.0 to 26.0%). In vitro globin-chain synthesis showed a mild imbalance with appreciable gamma-chain compensation (alpha/beta + gamma ratio of 1.46). The 3′ end of this deletion includes the 3′HS-1, and we hypothesize that removal of this region results in the loss of its gamma-globin gene-silencing effect, which causes a markedly elevated Hb F level with a modest increase in Hb A2 levels, unlike the situation in other deletional beta zero-thalassemias. The possible influence of particular sequence variations in the locus control region 5′HS-2 and the G gamma promoter, present on the chromosome with this deletion, on the overall gamma-globin gene should also be considered.

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