scholarly journals Analysis of hemoglobin F production in Saudi Arabian families with sickle cell anemia

Blood ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 716-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
BA Miller ◽  
M Salameh ◽  
M Ahmed ◽  
N Olivieri ◽  
G Antognetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Erythrocytes and progenitor-derived erythroblasts of sickle cell anemia patients from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia contain increased fetal hemoglobin and G gamma globin. A distinctive DNA polymorphism haplotype in the beta globin gene cluster (++- +-), tightly coupled to a C----T substitution at position -158 5′ to the cap site of the G gamma globin gene, is strongly associated with sickle cell disease in this region. To determine whether the increased fetal hemoglobin production and/or elevated G gamma globin content are tightly linked to this haplotype, we studied 55 members of five Saudi families in which sickle cell disease is present. The results did not suggest a tight linkage of the haplotype to increased fetal hemoglobin production. On the other hand, several sickle trait family members heterozygous for the haplotype had normal fetal hemoglobin production in culture but elevated G gamma to A gamma ratios in peripheral blood. This observation suggests that in this genetic background increased expression of the G gamma globin gene may occur without a measurable increase in total fetal hemoglobin production. The family studies also clearly demonstrate that increased fetal hemoglobin production by erythroid progenitors is dependent on zygosity for the sickle gene in this population. These findings strongly suggest that other factors, such as the products of genes stimulated by hemolytic stress or other genetic determinants associated with the Saudi beta S chromosome, may interact with the -158 C----T substitution and influence gamma globin gene expression in this population.


Blood ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 716-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
BA Miller ◽  
M Salameh ◽  
M Ahmed ◽  
N Olivieri ◽  
G Antognetti ◽  
...  

Erythrocytes and progenitor-derived erythroblasts of sickle cell anemia patients from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia contain increased fetal hemoglobin and G gamma globin. A distinctive DNA polymorphism haplotype in the beta globin gene cluster (++- +-), tightly coupled to a C----T substitution at position -158 5′ to the cap site of the G gamma globin gene, is strongly associated with sickle cell disease in this region. To determine whether the increased fetal hemoglobin production and/or elevated G gamma globin content are tightly linked to this haplotype, we studied 55 members of five Saudi families in which sickle cell disease is present. The results did not suggest a tight linkage of the haplotype to increased fetal hemoglobin production. On the other hand, several sickle trait family members heterozygous for the haplotype had normal fetal hemoglobin production in culture but elevated G gamma to A gamma ratios in peripheral blood. This observation suggests that in this genetic background increased expression of the G gamma globin gene may occur without a measurable increase in total fetal hemoglobin production. The family studies also clearly demonstrate that increased fetal hemoglobin production by erythroid progenitors is dependent on zygosity for the sickle gene in this population. These findings strongly suggest that other factors, such as the products of genes stimulated by hemolytic stress or other genetic determinants associated with the Saudi beta S chromosome, may interact with the -158 C----T substitution and influence gamma globin gene expression in this population.



Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 1619-1619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Campbell ◽  
Osamu Tanabe ◽  
Rebekah Urbonya ◽  
Andrea Mathias ◽  
Lihong Shi ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1619 Background: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a chronic debilitating hematologic condition caused by a missense mutation within the adult beta globin gene leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Increased Fetal Hemoglobin production has been shown to significantly ameliorate SCD symptoms and improve survival. A novel specific DNA-binding factor DRED (direct repeat erythroid definitive) was recently identified that regulated epsilon and gamma globin gene expression (Tanimoto et al Genes Dev 2000). Purification of DRED revealed that it harbored the nuclear orphan hormone receptors, TR2/TR4, as its DNA binding core (Tanabe et al EMBO 2002). Overexpression of TR2/TR4 Transgene within Human Beta Globin Yeast Artificial Chromosome Transgenic Mice resulted in 4-fold induction of the gamma globin mRNA levels (Tanabe et al EMBO 2007). Therefore, we wanted to determine if the overexpression of TR2/TR4 within a humanized sickle cell disease model would result in fetal hemoglobin induction. Methods: Humanized Homozygous Knock-In UAB-Sickle Cell (UAB-Hbahα/hα Hbbhβs/hβs) Mice (Wu et al Blood 2006) was mated to TR2/TR4 Overexpressing Mice (TgTR2/TR4) to generate homozygous SS-TR2/TR4 compound heterozygotes (UAB-Hba hα/hα Hbb hβs/hβs TgTR2/TR4). We generated four 2–3 month old homozygous SS-TR2/TR4 transgenic mice and compared hemoglobin F levels, complete blood cell counts and % body weight (liver, spleen, kidney) to six 2–3 month old homozygous SS mice (Hbahα/hα Hbb hβs/hβs)without the overexpressing TgTR2/TR4. Tail PCR genotyping of all sickle cell mice (with and without TgTR2/TR4) and Hemoglobin F(Hgb F) and Sickle (HgbS) levels were confirmed by HPLC Hemoglobin electrophoresis. Results: The mean Hgb F: 7.8% (n=6, sd 1.63+/−) in the homozygous SS control mice vs. 16.5% (n=4, sd 2.64+/−)in the homozygous SS-TR2/4 Mice (2 Fold higher). Hematologic profile revealed a mean Hct: 25.2 (n=6, sd 5.50 +/−) mean MCV: 75.4 (n=6, sd 10+/−) and a mean WBC: 22.6 (n= 6, sd 13.9 +/−) in the homozygous SS control mice vs. a mean Hct: 31.25(n=4, sd 6.89+/−), mean MCV: 61(n=4, sd 3.5+/−) mean WBC: 16.3(n= 4, sd 5.99+/−) in the homozygous SS-TR2/TR4 mice. Lastly, initial organ (spleen, liver, kidney) pathology evaluation revealed decreased % body weight (bw) in homozygous SS TR2/TR4 Mice vs. homozygous SS controls: 1) Spleen %bw: 4.3% vs. 3.5% TgTR2/TR4), 2) Liver % bw: 8.8% vs. 7.7% TgTR2/TR4), and 3) Kidney %bw: 1.14% vs. 1.02% TgTR2/TR4). Conclusions: Our preliminary analysis revealed that TR2/TR4 overexpression within a humanized sickle cell disease mouse model resulted in a 2-fold induction of fetal hemoglobin based on HPLC hemoglobin electrophoresis. Further, increased TR2/TR4 overexpression improved anemia and organomegaly within sickle cell disease mice. TR2/TR4 may be an attractive target for fetal hemoglobin induction for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Ongoing studies will determine if TR2/TR4 decreases organ specific disease pathology. We will also determine the cellular distribution of fetal hemoglobin in future studies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.



Blood ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1404-1410 ◽  
Author(s):  
BA Miller ◽  
M Salameh ◽  
M Ahmed ◽  
J Wainscoat ◽  
G Antognetti ◽  
...  

Abstract Homozygous sickle cell disease in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia is clinically mild. Circulating fetal hemoglobin levels of 16.0 +/- 7.4% were found in these anemic patients, but only 1.09 +/- 0.97% in their sickle trait parents. To determine whether these sickle cell anemia patients inherit an increased capacity to synthesize fetal hemoglobin, a radioimmunoassay of fetal and adult hemoglobin was performed on erythroid progenitor (BFU-E)-derived erythroblasts from Saudi Arabian sickle cell patients and their parents. Mean fetal hemoglobin content per BFU-E-derived erythroblast from Saudi Arabian sickle cell patients was 6.2 +/- 2.4 pg/cell or 30.4 +/- 8.6% fetal hemoglobin (normal 1.1 +/- 0.7 pg/cell and 5.1 +/- 1.8%). Linear regression analysis of % HbF in peripheral blood versus % HbF per BFU-E- derived cell showed a positive correlation with an r of 0.65. The variance of the intrinsic capacity to produce HbF may account for almost 40% (r2) of the variance of circulating fetal hemoglobin but other factors, particularly selective survival of F cells, must also contribute significantly. Despite virtually normal HbF levels in sickle trait parents of these Saudi patients, mean fetal hemoglobin production per BFU-E-derived erythroblast in these individuals was elevated to 3.42 +/- 1.79 pg/cell or 16.1 +/- 6.4% fetal hemoglobin, and the magnitude of fetal hemoglobin production found in parents correlated with that of the patients. These data indicate that the high fetal hemoglobin in Saudi sickle cell disease is genetically determined but expressed only during accelerated erythropoiesis. Further evidence of such genetic determination was provided by analysis of DNA polymorphisms within the beta-globin gene cluster on chromosome 11. This revealed a distinctive 5′ globin haplotype (+ + - + +) on at least one chromosome 11 in all high F SS and AS tested. The precise relationship of this haplotype to HbF production in this population remains to be defined.



Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
EP Orringer ◽  
DS Blythe ◽  
AE Johnson ◽  
G Jr Phillips ◽  
GJ Dover ◽  
...  

A rationale for clinical trials of hydroxyurea (HU) treatment in sickle cell disease is that the agent increases red blood cell (RBC) fetal hemoglobin content. However, an additional effect of HU is to raise the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). To investigate the action of HU in a species that makes no electrophoretically distinguishable fetal hemoglobin, we treated dogs with the drug and compared their response to that of five patients with sickle cell anemia. Both dogs and patients had an increase in MCV, but the effect of HU treatment on the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), density, and water content of the RBCs differed in the two species. The dog RBCs became low in MCHC, high in ion and water content, and low in mean density. Thus, HU can raise MCV and lower MCHC without influencing fetal hemoglobin synthesis. A different pattern was seen in the sickle cell patients during HU treatment. Although the MCV of their RBCs increased, there was no change in MCHC, ion content, or mean density. A notable change in the sickle cell patients' blood was that two subpopulations of cells were nearly eliminated during HU treatment; the hypodense reticulocyte fraction and the hyperdense fraction that contains irreversibly sickled cells. These findings lead us to suggest that trials of HU in sickle cell disease must recognize the possibility that any beneficial effect of this agent might be due not only to an increase in hemoglobin F alone, but perhaps also to the associated increase in MCV or the altered RBC density profile.



Blood ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1742-1746
Author(s):  
AE Kulozik ◽  
BC Kar ◽  
RK Satapathy ◽  
BE Serjeant ◽  
GR Serjeant ◽  
...  

To further explore the cause for variation in hemoglobin F (Hb F) levels in sickle cell disease, the beta globin restriction-fragment length polymorphism haplotypes were determined in a total of 303 (126 SS, 141 AS, 17 S beta degrees, 7 A beta, degrees and 12 AA) Indians from the state of Orissa. The beta s globin gene was found to be linked almost exclusively to a beta S haplotype ( -++-), which is also common in Saudi Arabian patients from the Eastern Province (referred to as the Asian beta s haplotype). By contrast, the majority of beta A and beta degree thalassemia globin genes are linked to haplotypes common in all European and Asian populations (+-----[+/-]; --++-++). Family studies showed that there is a genetic factor elevating Hb F levels dominantly in homozygotes (SS). This factor appears to be related to the Asian beta s globin haplotype, and a mechanism for its action is discussed. There is also a high prevalence of an independent Swiss type hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) determinant active in both the sickle cell trait and in sickle cell disease.



Blood ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1404-1410
Author(s):  
BA Miller ◽  
M Salameh ◽  
M Ahmed ◽  
J Wainscoat ◽  
G Antognetti ◽  
...  

Homozygous sickle cell disease in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia is clinically mild. Circulating fetal hemoglobin levels of 16.0 +/- 7.4% were found in these anemic patients, but only 1.09 +/- 0.97% in their sickle trait parents. To determine whether these sickle cell anemia patients inherit an increased capacity to synthesize fetal hemoglobin, a radioimmunoassay of fetal and adult hemoglobin was performed on erythroid progenitor (BFU-E)-derived erythroblasts from Saudi Arabian sickle cell patients and their parents. Mean fetal hemoglobin content per BFU-E-derived erythroblast from Saudi Arabian sickle cell patients was 6.2 +/- 2.4 pg/cell or 30.4 +/- 8.6% fetal hemoglobin (normal 1.1 +/- 0.7 pg/cell and 5.1 +/- 1.8%). Linear regression analysis of % HbF in peripheral blood versus % HbF per BFU-E- derived cell showed a positive correlation with an r of 0.65. The variance of the intrinsic capacity to produce HbF may account for almost 40% (r2) of the variance of circulating fetal hemoglobin but other factors, particularly selective survival of F cells, must also contribute significantly. Despite virtually normal HbF levels in sickle trait parents of these Saudi patients, mean fetal hemoglobin production per BFU-E-derived erythroblast in these individuals was elevated to 3.42 +/- 1.79 pg/cell or 16.1 +/- 6.4% fetal hemoglobin, and the magnitude of fetal hemoglobin production found in parents correlated with that of the patients. These data indicate that the high fetal hemoglobin in Saudi sickle cell disease is genetically determined but expressed only during accelerated erythropoiesis. Further evidence of such genetic determination was provided by analysis of DNA polymorphisms within the beta-globin gene cluster on chromosome 11. This revealed a distinctive 5′ globin haplotype (+ + - + +) on at least one chromosome 11 in all high F SS and AS tested. The precise relationship of this haplotype to HbF production in this population remains to be defined.



Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 102 (12) ◽  
pp. 3865-3870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogen Saunthararajah ◽  
Cheryl A. Hillery ◽  
Don Lavelle ◽  
Robert Molokie ◽  
Louise Dorn ◽  
...  

Abstract Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) decreases polymerization of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and improves outcomes in sickle cell disease (SSD). Therefore, a therapeutic goal in SSD is pharmacologic reactivation of HbF. Silencing of the γ-globin (HbF) gene is associated with DNA methylation. The cytosine analog 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (decitabine) hypomethylates DNA by inhibiting DNA methyltransferase. We examined if subcutaneous decitabine could increase HbF levels and improve SSD pathophysiology without cytotoxicity. Eight symptomatic SSD patients resistant or intolerant of standard treatment with hydroxyurea received decitabine 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously 1 to 3 times per week in 2 cycles of 6-week duration. Treatment decreased neutrophils and increased mean HbF (6.5% to 20.4%, P < .0001) and mean total hemoglobin (76 to 96 g/L [7.6 to 9.6 g/dL], P < .001). Features of vaso-occlusive crisis pathophysiology such as red cell adhesion, endothelial damage, and coagulation pathway activity significantly improved. γ-Globin gene promoter methylation decreased, and platelets and the proportion of megakaryocytes and erythroid cells in the marrow increased without a decrease in marrow cellularity, consistent with a DNA hypomethylating, noncytotoxic mechanism of action. Weekly subcutaneous decitabine produces cumulative increases in HbF and total hemoglobin through a noncytotoxic mechanism of action. Chronic dosing and sustained increases in hemoglobin F and total hemoglobin levels may be possible. Further studies in SSD and thalassemia are indicated.



Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3352-3352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling Lin ◽  
Adrian P. Rybak ◽  
Conrad Rinaldi ◽  
Jonathan Yen ◽  
Yanfang Fu ◽  
...  

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and Beta thalassemia are disorders of beta globin production and function that lead to severe anemia and significant disease complications across a multitude of organ systems. Autologous transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells engineered through the upregulation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) or correction of the beta globin gene have the potential to reduce disease burden in patients with beta hemoglobinopathies. Base editing is a recently developed technology that enables precise modification of the genome without the introduction of double strand DNA breaks. Gamma globin gene promoters were comprehensively screened with cytosine and adenine base editors (ABE) for the identification of alterations that would derepress HbF. Three regions were identified that significantly upregulated HbF, and the most effective nucleotide residue conversions are supported by natural variation seen in patients with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). ABEs have been developed that significantly increase the level of HbF following nucleotide conversion at key regulatory motifs within the HBG1 and HBG2 promoters. CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) were purified at clinical scale and edited using a process designed to preserve self-renewal capacity. Editing at two independent sites with different ABEs reached 94 percent and resulted in up to 63 percent gamma globin by UPLC. The levels of HbF observed should afford protection to the majority of SCD and Beta thalassemia patients based on clinical observations of HPFH and non-interventional therapy that links higher HbF dosage with milder disease (Ngo et al, 2011 Brit J Hem; Musallam et al, 2012 Blood). Directly correcting the Glu6Val mutation of SCD has been a recent goal of genetic therapies designed for the SCD population. Current base editing technology cannot yet convert mutations like those that result from the A-T transversion in sickle beta globin; however, ABE variants have been designed to recognize and edit the opposite stranded adenine residue of valine. This results in the conversion of valine to alanine and the production of a naturally occurring variant known as Hb G-Makassar. Beta globin with alanine at this position does not contribute to polymer formation, and patients with Hb G-Makassar present with normal hematological parameters and red blood cell morphology. SCD patient fibroblasts edited with these ABE variants achieve up to 70 percent conversion of the target adenine. CD34 cells from healthy donors were then edited with a lead ABE variant, targeting a synonymous mutation in an adjacent proline that resides within the editing window and serves as a proxy for editing the SCD mutation. The average editing frequency was 40 percent. Donor myeloid chimerism documented at these levels in the allogeneic transplant setting exceeds the 20 percent that is required for reversing the sickle phenotype (Fitzhugh et al, 2017 Blood). These next generation editing approaches provide a promising new modality for treating patients with Beta thalassemia and SCD. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.



Blood ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 331-338
Author(s):  
S Pissard ◽  
Y Beuzard

We describe a 0.5-kb region located 1.65 to 1.15 kb upstream of the G gamma fetal globin gene with three polymorphisms of erythroid and ubiquitous nuclear protein binding motifs (GATA, CRE, and a new protein binding site). These three polymorphisms result in high-affinity and low-affinity motifs for nuclear proteins, and are combined in four arrangements called pre-G gamma frameworks (pG gamma Fs). Each pG gamma F is linked with one of the major haplotypes of the beta-globin gene cluster observed in sickle cell disease (SCD) associated with different mean levels of hemoglobin F (Hb F) expression (P < .001). This strong linkage and the differing affinities suggest that this region may be involved in the modulation of Hb F expression in SCD.



Blood ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1742-1746 ◽  
Author(s):  
AE Kulozik ◽  
BC Kar ◽  
RK Satapathy ◽  
BE Serjeant ◽  
GR Serjeant ◽  
...  

Abstract To further explore the cause for variation in hemoglobin F (Hb F) levels in sickle cell disease, the beta globin restriction-fragment length polymorphism haplotypes were determined in a total of 303 (126 SS, 141 AS, 17 S beta degrees, 7 A beta, degrees and 12 AA) Indians from the state of Orissa. The beta s globin gene was found to be linked almost exclusively to a beta S haplotype ( -++-), which is also common in Saudi Arabian patients from the Eastern Province (referred to as the Asian beta s haplotype). By contrast, the majority of beta A and beta degree thalassemia globin genes are linked to haplotypes common in all European and Asian populations (+-----[+/-]; --++-++). Family studies showed that there is a genetic factor elevating Hb F levels dominantly in homozygotes (SS). This factor appears to be related to the Asian beta s globin haplotype, and a mechanism for its action is discussed. There is also a high prevalence of an independent Swiss type hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) determinant active in both the sickle cell trait and in sickle cell disease.



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