Research from Tehran University of Medical Sciences Provide New Insights into Hemeproteins (CRISPR/Cas9 Ablated BCL11A Unveils the Genes with Possible Role of Globin Switching).

A recent report from Tehran University of Medical Sciences discusses the potential role of certain genes in globin switching, which is important for the treatment of b-hemoglobinopathies like b-thalassemia and sickle cell diseases. The researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock down the BCL11A gene in K562 cells, resulting in the upregulation of HBG1/2. They also validated three other genes, HIST1H2BL, TRIM58, and Al133243.2, as potentially involved in globin switching. The study suggests that BCL11A and these genes could be promising targets for the treatment of b-hemoglobinopathies, but further research is needed to confirm their role. [Extracted from the article]