α-globin Alteration in α-thalassemia Disorder: Prediction and Interaction Defect.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The α-thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder affecting quality and quantity of hemoglobin. It caused mostly by deletion of one or two α-globin genes and characterized by deficient production of α-globin chain in hemoglobin leading from mild anemia to lethal. The α-globin gene with partial deletion could reduce chain production or produce abnormal chain. Its effect depends on mechanism of chain production affected. This study aimed to analyze the effect of partial deletion in α-globin gene influencing the mechanisms to produce functional α-globin chain in α-thalassemia cases.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: The three mutant genes from genebank were selected and processed. The analysis performed in deleted sequences determination, mRNA sequences, protein structures and protein chains interaction to form hemoglobin by SWISS MODEL, CHIMERA and SABLE Polyview 2D.

RESULTS: The result showed 76 amino acids deleted in one mutant α-globin gene (V00516.1). The mutation gave effect in every mechanism of the α-globin chain conformation and production. It affected protein conformation by losing over half the helical chains. It reduced the function completely, in which, disturb hemoglobin A (HbA) production with emergence of β-sheets conformation.

CONCLUSION: The analysis concluded that the protein produced by the α-globin gene with partial deletion lost its function and unable to form hemoglobin.