Molecular mechanisms of fetal hemoglobin induction in eritroblasts of patients with bO/bO Thalassemia and in heterozygous individuals with non-deletional hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (Brazilian type)

• Grant number: 18/01367-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2018
• End date: April 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Ferreira Costa
• Grantee: Flávia Peixoto Albuquerque
• Host Institution: Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia (HEMOCENTRO). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/00984-3 - Red blood cell disorders: pathophysiology and new therapeutic approaches, AP.TEM

Abstract

Fetal hemoglobin consists essentially of two alpha chains and of two gamma chains produced during the fetal period and its synthesis loses its dominance over the first six months of life after birth, gradually being replaced by adult hemoglobin. The regulation of fetal hemoglobin production is of scientific importance because it contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of genes regulation involved in the synthesis of gamma globin chains. 'F cells' are a small fraction of red blood cells that are originated from immature erythroid progenitor’s cells. Precursors of such cells maintain the production of HbF, by persistent activation of gamma globin genes (g), leading to F reticulocytes and then mature F cells, which determine the amount of fetal hemoglobin available in the bloodstream. So far, the researchers have not identified which factors lead to fetal hemoglobin accumulation in F cells, despite they are important for maintaining the appropriate level of circulating red blood cells in patients with Hemoglobinopathies. F cell studies may provide a new therapeutic approach, in addition to inductors of fetal hemoglobin synthesis already known and to minimize recurrent blood transfusions. A better understanding of markers associated with fetal hemoglobin through variable synthesis of red blood cells is of scientific interest, since it can contribute to the understanding of the genes regulation mechanisms involved in the synthesis of globin chains, which to date have not been completely elucidated. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

ALBUQUERQUE, Flávia Peixoto. Molecular mechanisms involved in the production of fetal hemoglobin in erythroblasts of patients with beta thalassemia major and in heterozygotic individuals with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (brazilian type). 2022. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Campinas, SP.