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A novel mutation in the erythroid transcription factor KLF1 is likely responsible for ameliorating β‐thalassemia major
Author(s) -
Fanis Pavlos,
Kousiappa Ioanna,
Phylactides Marios,
Kyrri Andreani,
Hadjigavriel Michael,
Christou Soteroula,
Sitarou Maria,
Kleanthous Marina
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
human mutation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1098-1004
pISSN - 1059-7794
DOI - 10.1002/humu.23817
Subject(s) - biology , missense mutation , fetal hemoglobin , transcription factor , phenotype , mutation , genetics , mutant , gata1 , beta thalassemia , thalassemia , gene , fetus , pregnancy
We describe the identification of a novel missense mutation in the second zinc finger of KLF1 in two siblings who, based on their genotype, are predicted to suffer from beta thalassemia major but are, in fact, transfusion‐free and in good health. These individuals, as well as two additional members of the same family also carrying this KLF1 mutation, exhibit high levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). KLF1 is an erythroid transcription factor, which plays a critical role in the regulation of the developmental switch between fetal and adult hemoglobin by regulating the expression of a multitude of genes including that of BCL11A . The mutation appears to be the main candidate responsible for the beta thalassemia‐ameliorating effect as this segregates with the observed phenotype and also exogenous expression of the KLF1 mutant protein in human erythroid progenitor cells resulted in the induction of γ‐globin, without, however, affecting BCL11A levels. This report adds to the weight of evidence that heterozygous KLF1 mutations can ameliorate the severity of the β‐thalassemia major phenotype.