This proposed research addresses the inhibitory mechanisms of HbS polymerization by HbF, mechanisms of high oxygen affinity of HbF in red blood cells, and the mechanism of assembly of alpha and gamma chains of hemoglobin to form fetal hemoglobin using a variety of biochemical and biophysical methods. Using the results from these studies, the investigators hope to design novel HbF anti-sickling variants for eventual use in gene therapy in sickle cell disease.
In Specific Aim 1, amino acid residues in HbF will be identified which are critical for FS hybrid formation. Preliminary X-ray analyses of copolymers indicates that Val-beta 6 in HbS communicates with the acceptor pocket in the adjacent molecule and that Thr-beta 87 plays an important role through a bridge of interfacial water which strengthens the hydrophobic interaction. Further studies involving beta and gamma 87 are proposed.
In Specific Aim 2, studies will be done to characterize oxygen binding and polymerization properties of Hb F and S mixtures. The goal of these studies is to confirm differential oxygen binding of F mutants with 2,3-DPG effects similar to those of HbA. In preliminary studies, such mutants have been produced (Hb F gamma G1V, E5P, S143H). Studies in this aim will further characterize these mutants, including X-ray analyses, oxygen binding studies and copolymerization measurements.
In Specific Aim 3, studies will be undertaken to characterize the assembly of alpha and gamma chains to form HbF as well as the effect of mutant gamma chains on the assembly of alpha and beta-S chains. Mutants are proposed which will lead to the understanding of the residues which are critical to the understanding of the control of rates of these assemblies, with the overall goal to increase the efficiency of HSF hybrid hemoglobin. Specific locations for these mutants will be at the chain interfaces, but also gamma chain surface charge.
In Specific Aim 4, the investigators propose to use the results of the first three aims to design new and novel HbF variants which will have optimal properties of oxygen affinity and coassembly with beta-S chains to form HbFS hybrids. The ultimate goal of this aim is to specify the optimal gene product for gene therapy in patients with sickle cell anemia. In that regard, the investigators also point out that efficient expression is essential.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01HL058879-01A1
Application #
2631808
Study Section
Hematology Subcommittee 2 (HEM)
Project Start
1998-04-01
Project End
2002-03-31
Budget Start
1998-04-01
Budget End
1999-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Department
Type
DUNS #
073757627
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
Adachi, Kazuhiko; Zhao, Yi; Lakka, Vinaysagar et al. (2007) Assembly of recently translated full-length and C-terminal truncated human gamma-globin chains with a pool of alpha-globin chains to form Hb F in a cell-free system. Arch Biochem Biophys 463:60-7
Akbar, Mohammed G K; Tamura, Yutaka; Ding, Min et al. (2006) Inhibition of hemoglobin S polymerization in vitro by a novel 15-mer EF-helix beta73 histidine-containing peptide. Biochemistry 45:8358-67
Adachi, Kazuhiko; Ding, Min; Surrey, Saul et al. (2006) The Hb A variant (beta73 Asp-->Leu) disrupts Hb S polymerization by a novel mechanism. J Mol Biol 362:528-38
Adachi, Kazuhiko; Lakka, Vinaysagar; Zhao, Yi et al. (2004) Ubiquitylation of nascent globin chains in a cell-free system. J Biol Chem 279:41767-74
Adachi, Kazuhiko; Ding, Min; Wehrli, Suzanne et al. (2003) Effects of different beta73 amino acids on formation of 14-stranded fibers of Hb S versus double-stranded crystals of Hb C-Harlem. Biochemistry 42:4476-84
Adachi, Kazuhiko; Yang, Yi; Lakka, Vinaysagar et al. (2003) Significance of beta116 His (G18) at alpha1beta1 contact sites for alphabeta assembly and autoxidation of hemoglobin. Biochemistry 42:10252-9
Adachi, Kazuhiko; Zhao, Yi; Surrey, Saul (2003) Effects of heme addition on formation of stable human globin chains and hemoglobin subunit assembly in a cell-free system. Arch Biochem Biophys 413:99-106
Yamaguchi, Takamasa; Adachi, Kazuhiko (2002) Hemoglobin equilibrium analysis by the multiangle laser light-scattering method. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 290:1382-7
Adachi, Kazuhiko; Zhao, Yi; Surrey, Saul (2002) Assembly of human hemoglobin (Hb) beta- and gamma-globin chains expressed in a cell-free system with alpha-globin chains to form Hb A and Hb F. J Biol Chem 277:13415-20
Ivanova, M; Jasuja, R; Krasnosselskaia, L et al. (2001) Flexibility and nucleation in sickle hemoglobin. J Mol Biol 314:851-61

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