Human embryonic zeta-globin chains in adult patients with alpha-thalassemias.
Human embryonic zeta-globin chains are alpha-globin-like chains that are normally present during the first three months of gestation. In this investigation, zeta-globin chains measured by a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay and by an electrophoretic technique were found to be present in all 7 patients studied with hereditary Hb H disease, and in 8 out of 24 patients with alpha-thalassemia trait. zeta-Globin chains were not detected in 20 other patients with beta-thalassemia trait. These results suggest that the deletion of two alpha-globin genes on the same chromosome is accompanied by the continued expression of embryonic zeta-globin genes in adult individuals.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D005260:Female; D005914:Globins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006461:Hemolysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000097:blood*
D006454:Hemoglobins; D005914:Globins