Alpha-globin gene (HBA)

The **alpha-globin gene** refers principally to two nearly identical genes, **HBA1** and **HBA2**, located at the alpha-globin locus on chromosome 16. They encode the **alpha-globin protein**, a critical subunit of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the main oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, composed of two alpha and two beta subunits[3][4][7][8]. Alpha-globin gene expression is tightly regulated during development and is essential for normal oxygen transport and erythrocyte function. Loss or mutation of these genes leads to a range of **alpha thalassemia syndromes** and other hemoglobinopathies, from silent carrier status to severe, life-threatening anemia[3][5][7]. The gene itself is not a classical pharmacological target (e.g., it is not a receptor or enzyme) but is pivotal in molecular diagnostics and gene therapy research for blood disorders[3][5].

Other names

HBA1HBA2alpha-globinα-globinHemoglobin subunit alphaalpha-globin locus

Not a direct pharmacological target. Some therapies (e.g., gene editing, hydroxyurea) modulate *globin gene expression* or compensate for its loss but do not bind or inhibit the gene/protein directly[3][5].