Hemoglobin bologna (α2β2 61 (E5) Lys → Met) An abnormal human hemoglobin wlth low oxygen affinity

An abnormal human hemoglobin was found in association with β-thalassemia in a hemolysate from an 11-year-old healthy child living in Bologna (northern) Italy). Structural studies demonstrated a previously unreported amino acid substitution, β 61 (E5) Lys → Met (this is an external residue). The new variant has been named Hb Bologna, and is characterized by a reduced oxygen affinity. Family studies indicated that the variant had been inherited from the father, a 41-year-old male of Southern Italian origin. Also, a brother of the propositus was found to be an abnormal Hb carrier.