Ironing out the genetic cause of hemoglobin problems

Ironing out the genetic cause of hemoglobin problems. Gene associated with hemoglobin regulation identified in new research - %0A " - Imperial College London News Release Under strict embargo for - 18.00 hours British Summer Time - Sunday 11 October 2009 - (13.00 hours US Eastern time) A gene with a significant effect on regulating hemoglobin in the body has been identified as part of a genome-wide association study, which looked at the link between genes and hemoglobin level in 16,000 people. The research was carried out by scientists from Imperial College London and published in today. It shows a strong association between a gene known as TMPRSS6 and the regulation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is contained within red blood cells and is essential for transporting oxygen around the body. Problems with hemoglobin production cause common diseases, such as anaemia, which comes from low levels of hemoglobin and is found in 25% of the world's population. "This new finding is critical: understanding how hemoglobin levels are controlled at a genetic level has significant public health implications for people of all ages in developing and developed countries", explains Dr John Chambers , from the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Imperial College London and one of the lead authors of the study.