α-Globin

Disruptions in a-globin production can lead to severe health disorders, including alpha-thalassemia and hemoglobin H disease. Alpha-thalassemia occurs when one or more of the four a-globin genes are missing or mutated, leading to decreased a-globin production and causing an excess of beta chains. This imbalance can lead to mild to severe anemia, depending on the number of affected a-globin genes. Hemoglobin H disease, a subtype of alpha-thalassemia, occurs when three of the four a-globin genes are dysfunctional or missing.

With modern advances in molecular biology and genetics, scientists can now identify specific mutations responsible for disorders linked to a-globin. Furthermore, ongoing research into gene therapy aims to correct or replace faulty genes, providing hope for a definitive cure for conditions such as alpha-thalassemia.