Anti-Hemoglobin antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Hemoglobin also known as Hb or HBB is a protein found in red blood cells. It is a tetramer with a molecular mass of approximately 64.5 kDa composed of two alpha and two beta subunits. This protein is predominantly expressed in erythrocytes where it plays an important role in oxygen transport from the lungs to tissues and facilitates the return of carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs for exhalation.

Biological function summary

Hemoglobin carries oxygen in blood and acts as a buffer in maintaining blood pH. Within the erythrocytes hemoglobin comprises one of the principal components of these cells each molecule binding up to four oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin exists as a complex with heme groups that directly interact with oxygen allowing hemoglobin to perform its respiratory function efficiently.

Pathways

Hemoglobin is important in the circulatory and respiratory pathways. It works in conjunction with proteins like myoglobin which assists with oxygen storage in muscles and cytochrome c which is important in the electron transport chain. Hemoglobin's function aligns with these pathways to maintain proper oxygen and energy levels throughout the body.

Associated diseases and disorders

Hemoglobin abnormalities lead to conditions such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. Sickle cell anemia involves a mutation in the beta-globin gene resulting in deformed red blood cells that hinder oxygen delivery and cause pain due to blockages in blood vessels. Thalassemia results from reduced production of globin chains leading to anemia. These conditions involve aberrations in the hemoglobin or related proteins impacting overall health and requiring clinical management.