Hb-Alberta or alpha2beta2 (101(G3) Glu replaced by Gly), a new high-oxygen-affinity hemoglobin variant causing erythrocytosis

Role of β/δ101Gln in regulating the effect of temperature and allosteric effectors on oxygen affinity in woolly mammoth hemoglobin

The oxygen affinity of woolly mammoth hemoglobin (rHb WM) is less affected by temperature change than that of Asian elephant hemoglobin (rHb AE) or human normal adult hemoglobin (Hb A). We report here a biochemical-biophysical study of Hb A, rHb AE, rHb WM, and three rHb WM mutants with amino acid substitutions at β/δ101 (β/δ101Gln→Glu, Lys, or Asp) plus a double and a triple mutant, designed to clarify the role of the β/δ101 residue. The β/δ101Gln residue is important for responding to allosteric effectors, such as phosphate, inositol hexaphosphate (IHP), and chloride. The rHb WM mutants studied generally have higher affinity for oxygen under various conditions of pH, temperature, and salt concentration, and in the presence or absence of organic phosphate, than do rHb WM, rHb AE, and Hb A. Titrations for the O2 affinity of these mutant rHbs as a function of chloride concentration indicate a lower heterotopic effect of this anion due to the replacement of β/δ101Gln in rHb WM. The alkaline Bohr effect of rHb WM and its mutants is reduced by 20-50% compared to that of Hb A and is independent of changes in temperature, in contrast to what has been observed in the hemoglobins of most mammalian species, including human. The results of our study on the temperature dependence of the O2 affinity of rHb WM and its mutant rHbs illustrate the important role of β/δ101Gln in regulating the functional properties of these hemoglobins.

Some rare hemoglobin variants with altered oxygen affinities; Hb linkoping [beta 36(C2)Pro----Thr], Hb Caribbean [beta 91(F7)Leu----Arg], and Hb Sunnybrook [beta 36(C2)Pro----Arg]

A few rare hemoglobin variants with altered functional properties have been observed in Canadian subjects with either an erythrocytosis or mild anemia. These variants were Hb Alberta [beta 101(G3)Glu----Gly], Hb Linkoping [beta 36(C2)Pro----Thr], a new variant Hb Sunnybrook [beta 36(C2)Pro----Arg], and Hb Caribbean [beta 91(F7)Leu----Arg]. Short clinical descriptions of the subjects are given, the characterization of the variants is described in detail (except for Hb Alberta), while data from some functional analyses are provided. Comparisons with previously published data have been made and the unusual chromatographic property of two abnormal beta chains in a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic system is reviewed.

Functional and subunit assembly properties of hemoglobin Alberta (alpha 2 beta 2(101) Glu----Gly)

Hemoglobin Alberta has an amino acid substitution at position 101 (Glu----Gly), a residue involved in the alpha 1 beta 2 contact region of both the deoxy and oxy conformers of normal adult hemoglobin. Oxygen equilibrium measurements of stripped hemoglobin Alberta at 20 degrees C in the absence of phosphate revealed a high affinity (P50 = 0.75 mm Hg at pH 7), co-operative hemoglobin variant (n = 2.3 at pH 7) with a normal Bohr effect (- delta log P50/delta pH(7-8) = 0.65). The addition of inositol hexaphosphate resulted in a decrease in oxygen affinity (P50 = 8.2 mm Hg at pH 7), a slight increase in the value of n and an enhanced Bohr effect. Rapid mixing experiments reflected the equilibrium results. A rapid rate of carbon monoxide binding (l' = 7.0 X 10(5) M-1 S-1) and a slow rate of overall oxygen dissociation (k = 15 s-1) was seen at pH7 and 20 degrees C in the absence of phosphate. Under these experimental conditions the tetramer stability of liganded and unliganded hemoglobin Alberta was investigated by spectrophotometric kinetic techniques. The 4K4 value (the liganded tetramer-dimer equilibrium dissociation constant) for hemoglobin Alberta was found to be 0.83 X 10(-6) M compared to a 4K4 value for hemoglobin A of 2.3 X 10(-6) M, indicating that the Alberta tetramer was less dissociated into dimers than the tetramer of hemoglobin A. The values of 0K4 (the unliganded tetramer-dimer equilibrium dissociation constant) for hemoglobin Alberta and hemoglobin A were also measured and found to be 2.5 X 10(-8) M and 1.5 X 10(-10) M, respectively, demonstrating a greatly destabilized deoxyhemoglobin tetramer for hemoglobin Alberta compared to deoxyhemoglobin A. The functional and subunit dissociation properties of hemoglobin Alberta appear to be directly related to the dual role of the beta 101 residue in stabilizing the tetrameric form of the liganded structure, while concurrently destabilizing the unliganded tetramer molecule.

Hb F-La Grange or alpha 2 gamma 2 101(G3)Glu----Lys; 75Ile; 136Gly: a high oxygen affinity fetal hemoglobin variant observed in a Caucasian newborn

The identification of a newly discovered gamma-chain variant is reported. This abnormal fetal hemoglobin is characterized by a Glu----Lys substitution at position 101(G3) of its gamma chain and was observed in a Caucasian baby girl. Because glutamic acid residue in position gamma 101 is involved in the alpha 1-gamma 2 chain contact, its replacement by a lysine residue results in changes in physicochemical and functional properties. The variant readily forms hybrid hemoglobins at room temperature, is mildly unstable at higher temperature, and has an increased oxygen affinity with a somewhat lower heme-heme interaction.

Asymmetric hybrids between hemoglobin Alberta (alpha 2 beta 2 101 Glu replaced by Gly) and hemoglobins A, A2 or F1 in different liganded states

Isoelectric focusing in cylindrical polyacrylamide gels has been used to demonstrate the formation of asymmetric hybrids between an abnormal hemoglobin, Hb Alberta (alpha 2 beta 2 101 Glu replaced by Gly), and Hb A (alpha 2 beta 2), Hb A2 (alpha 2 delta 2) or Hb F1 (alpha 2 gamma 2 Acetyl). There was no discernible difference in the stabilities of the three hybrids (alpha 2 beta A beta Alberta, alpha 2 delta beta Alberta and alpha 2 gamma Acetyl beta Alberta) in the oxy, carboxy or cyanmet hemoglobin forms. Two mixed liganded hybrids, (alpha beta A)oxy (alpha beta Alberta)cyanmet and (alpha beta A)cyanmet (alpha beta Alberta)oxy were also demonstrated and found to have stabilities similar to that of the Hb Alberta hybrids.

Hemoglobin variants with altered oxygen affinity

To date 88 abnormal hemoglobins have been described with altered oxygen affinities. Of these, 60 variants have high affinity and 28 have low affinity. Twenty-six of these abnormal hemoglobins are chemically unstable. Twenty-seven of the high affinity hemoglobins are associated with erythrocytosis. An equal number are not associated with increased red cell mass. Anemia has been reported with 13 of the low affinity variants; however, the primary cause of the anemia of many may be the concurrent chemical instability. A strong correlaton can be shown for stable variants with altered oxygen affinity between the P50 value of the red cell and the hemoglobin concentration of the affected individual's blood. Hemoglobin variants with altered oxygen affinity can be classified into groups depending upon the amino acid change in specific structural sites. The sites include subunit interfaces, heme contacts, central cavity, DPG binding site, C-terminus, and other external and internal residues. Functional studies of six abnormal hemoglobins, four at the beta 101 residue in the central cavity near the alpha 1 beta 2 interfce, one near the DPG binding site and one at the C-terminus of the beta chain, indicate that the exact explanation of the structure-function relationship in hemoglobin depends upon the specific residue that is altered and the chemical properties of the substituted group. Comparative studies of multiple variants of the same position should provide insight into the role of critical residues in the binding of oxygen by hemoglobin.

Familial relative polycythaemia due to haemoglobin Heathrow

Eleven affected members of a New Zealand family carrying the high oxygen affinity haemoglobin Heathrow are described. The detection of high oxygen affinity abnormal haemoglobins may be difficult as haemoglobin and red cell mass may both fall within the normal range and no abnormality may be detected on haemoglobin electrophoresis or by haemoglobin stability tests. The importance of oxygen affinity studies to establish the diagnosis is emphasized.