Hb F-Dammam or alpha 2A gamma 2(79) (EF3) Asp----Asn

Molecular nature of alpha-globin genes in the Saudi population

Alpha-thalassemia (α-thal) is a disorder caused by the deletion of single or double α-globin genes, and/or point mutations in the α-globin genes. There are 2 common types of α-globin genes; HBA2 and HBA1. Recently, it has been discovered that the HBA2 gene is replaced by a unique HBA12 gene convert in 5.7% of the Saudi population. The α-globin genes have been emerging as a molecular target for the treatment of β-thalassemia (β-thal). Hence, it is essential to understand the molecular nature of α-globin genes to treat the most prevalent hemoglobin disorders, such as sickle cell disease, α-thal, and β-thal prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thirty-two different α-globin genotypes have been observed in the Saudi population. This review outlines the classification of the α-globin genes on the basis of their molecular nature and complex combinations of α-globin genes, and their variants predominant in Saudis.

Two new G gamma chain variants: Hb F-Saint-Etienne [G gamma 79(EF3)Asp-->His] and Hb F-Lyon [G gamma 97(FG4)His-->Arg]

Two new fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) variants affecting the (G)gamma chain are reported: Hb F-Saint-Etienne [G gamma 79(EF3)Asp-->His] and Hb F-Lyon [G gamma 97(FG4)His-->Arg]. These new Hb variants were found during a neonatal screening for hemoglobinopathies but characterized a few months later by our reference laboratory. The corresponding mutations are located on the external part of the Hb molecule and seem to be clinically silent.