Evidence for the molecular heterogeneity of sickle cell anemia chromosomes bearing the β S /Benin haplotype

There are at least four distinct African and one Asian chromosomal backgrounds (haplotypes) on which the sickle cell mutation has arisen. Additionally, previous data suggest that the β S /Bantu haplotype is heterogeneous at the molecular level. Here, we report the presence of the A γ −499 T→A variation in sickle cell anemia chromosomes of Sicilian and North African origin bearing the β S /Benin haplotype. Being absent from North American β S /Benin chromosomes, which were studied previously, this variation is indicative for the molecular heterogeneity of the β S /Benin haplotype. Am. J. Hematol. 80:79–80, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.