A Possible Cure for Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) or Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a hereditary blood disorder, in which the red blood cells transform into a ‘sickle’ shape. It disrupts the natural circulation of blood. This mutation of the red blood cells can be extremely dangerous for the patients. Not only it can make the patient anemic, it can also reduce the life expectancy. SCD is hereditary. In simpler words, the cell change their shape from ‘disc like’ to ‘sickle’ shape when the DNA of a new born baby send signal to transform the hemoglobin (the Oxygen carrying component of the red blood cells) from ‘fetal’ to ‘adult’.

Recent studies in the discipline of Hematology (the study of blood), have proved that the chances of an individual getting SCD can be reduced. According to the research, the researchers used a specialized tool, a genetically engineered zinc finger (ZF) protein, which they custom-designed to latch onto a specific DNA site carrying the code for fetal hemoglobin. They attached the ZF to another protein that forced a chromatin loop to form. The loop then activated gene expression that produced embryonic hemoglobin in blood-forming cells from adult mice.

The researchers had the same result when they experimented on human blood. Now the team of researchers will continue investigations aimed at moving their research toward clinical application.

Bentham Science Publishers is one of the leading STM publishers in the industry. It has more than 116 online and print journals, 150 plus Open Access journals, and related print/online book series. One of the numerous eBooks is, Immunology of Pregnancy 2013, which is a complete compendium of gynecological immunology, spanning from fecundation to delivery.

[This article is based on the news: ‘Flipping a Gene Switch Reactivates Fetal Hemoglobin, May Reverse Sickle Cell Disease’ by ScienceDaily.com]