Genetic factors involved in human Gγ and Aγ globin gene expression

Abstract

Gy to Ay globin ratios, haplotypes at the fl globin gene cluster and the C -rT substitution at -158 5' to the G y globin gene were studied in three Algerian families that include SS or S-o"thal patients. Gy to Ay ratios were found similar, within a family, in subjects displaying the same combination of chromosomes 11, the ratio observed for a given combination depending on the chromosome haplotypes. Our data can be explained by the existence of several alleles of a genetic factor closely linked to the globin gene cluster and involved in the determination of Gy to Ay globin ratio.