Scientific cooperation for the study of haemoglobinopathies: clinical, cellular and molecular alterations

Resumo

The inherited disorders of haemoglobin are the most prevalent monogenic disorders of mankind. Over recent decades, there has been significant progress in the elucidation of the molecular pathology of the diverse disturbances related to this protein, resulting in an enormous advance in the control and treatment of the diseases caused by these alterations. Results derived from studies of these alterations have been of great importance to our present understanding of several aspects of normal gene structure, function, and regulation. Brazil presents a particular regional heterogeneity in the frequency of the haemoglobinopathies. Over the last twenty years, the Hemoglobinopathies Research Group at the Haematology Centre, UNICAMP, has been regularly studying several aspects of inherited haemoglobin abnormalities in the Brazilian population. The research group headed by Professor Swee Lay Thein, KCL School of Medicine, constitutes, today, the group at the forefront of research, both clinical and experimental, in haemoglobinopathies and the regulation of fetal haemoglobin production in the United Kingdom. As such, a renewal of the official FAPESP-KCL collaboration between the Hemoglobinopathies Research Group, UNICAMP, and Professor Thein, and her team, would continue to provide an opportunity for researchers involved in project FAPESP: 2008/57441-0 to benefit from her team's knowledge and expertise. (AU)