What genes affect sickle cell?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in both copies of a person’s HBB gene. This gene encodes a component of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. The mutation causes hemoglobin molecules to stick together, creating sickle-shaped red blood cells.

What allele causes sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell disease is caused by a variant of the beta-globin gene called sickle hemoglobin (Hb S). Inherited autosomal recessively, either two copies of Hb S or one copy of Hb S plus another beta-globin variant (such as Hb C) are required for disease expression.

What ethnicity gets sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell disease is more common in certain ethnic groups, including: People of African descent, including African-Americans (among whom 1 in 12 carries a sickle cell gene) Hispanic-Americans from Central and South America. People of Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean descent.

Is sickle cell anemia Monogenetic?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) was the first human monogenic disorder to be characterized at the molecular level (1). It results from the substitution of glutamic acid by valine at position 6 of the β-chain of hemoglobin.

Can a white person carry sickle cell?

Sickle cell disease affects millions of people around the world. While it’s very common in people of African heritage, people of other races and ethnicity can also inherit the condition. For example, white people can get sickle cell disease.

What are the different types of sickle cell disease?

The four main types of sickle cell anemia are caused by different mutations in these genes.

  • Hemoglobin SS disease.
  • Hemoglobin SC disease.
  • Hemoglobin SB+ (beta) thalassemia.
  • Hemoglobin SB 0 (Beta-zero) thalassemia.
  • Hemoglobin SD, hemoglobin SE, and hemoglobin SO.
  • Sickle cell trait.

How many genes are involved in sickle cell disease?

People who have this form of SCD inherit two sickle cell genes (“S”), one from each parent. This is commonly called sickle cell anemia and is usually the most severe form of the disease.

Why are blacks more prone to sickle cell?

So why are African Americans Affected More? SCD and SCT impact African Americans at disproportionate rates. This is simply because they both are evolutionary traits that individuals develop in response to help protect them from malaria. Around 50% of the global population live in areas where malaria exists.