A novel beta-globin structural mutant, Hb Brescia (beta 114 Leu-Pro), causing a severe beta-thalassemia intermedia phenotype.
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Murru S, Poddie D, Sciarratta GV, Agosti S, Baffico M, Melevendi C, Pirastu M, Cao A
A novel beta-globin structural mutant, Hb Brescia (beta 114 Leu-Pro), causing a severe beta-thalassemia intermedia phenotype.
Hum Mutat. 1992;1(2):124-8.
- PubMed ID
- 1301199 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
This study describes a patient with a thalassemia intermedia-like phenotype in whom beta-globin gene sequencing detected a novel abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) due to a T-C substitution at codon 114 of the beta-globin gene arising as a de novo mutation. The abnormal variant was designated Hb Brescia after the place of birth of the propositus. Normal sequences were detected at the in trans beta-globin locus. In addition, alpha-globin gene analysis detected a triple alpha-globin locus which was inherited from the father. The T-C change at position 114 of the beta-globin gene results in a leucine to proline substitution (Leu-Pro) in the G-helix. The resulting Hb tetramer is highly unstable and precipitates forming inclusion bodies in the peripheral red blood cells. Moreover, the Leu-Pro substitution interferes negatively with the four alpha 1 beta 1 contact points of the G-helix most likely adversely affecting the alpha beta dimer formation. The very severe phenotype presented by our patient is unusual in a heterozygote for an unstable Hb variant and may be explained by the coinheritance of the triple alpha-globin locus.