HBA1 (Hemoglobin Subunit Alpha 1) encodes the alpha-globin chain of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. While traditionally associated with erythrocytes, HBA1/HBA2 expression has been detected in the brain, including neurons and glial cells, where it may serve neuroprotective functions related to oxygen sensing, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and response to hypoxic stress[1].
Emerging research suggests that neuronal hemoglobin expression may play protective roles in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress[2].
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | HBA1 |
| Full Name | Hemoglobin Subunit Alpha 1 |
| Aliases | HBA-T1, alpha-globin |
| Chromosomal Location | 16p13.3 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 3039 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000188536 |
| UniProt ID | P69905 |
| Protein Name | Hemoglobin subunit alpha |
HBA1 encodes the alpha chain of hemoglobin, which forms a tetramer with two alpha and two beta chains (HbA). The hemoglobin tetramer[3]:
Hemoglobin expression in neurons and glia may serve several functions[4]:
Hemoglobin expression in the brain is altered in AD[6]:
Neuronal hemoglobin in the substantia nigra[7]:
Hemoglobin expression changes in ALS[8]:
Mutations in HBA1 cause:
Cerebrovascular complications in thalassemia include[9]:
Neuronal hemoglobin may provide antioxidant protection through[10]:
During hypoxic conditions:
Hemoglobin may influence neuronal iron metabolism:
Biagioli M, et al. Unexpected expression of alpha- and beta-globin in mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons and glial cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009;106(36):15454-9. 2009. ↩︎
Richter F, et al. Hemoglobin in neurodegeneration—Any role in brain? Neurobiol Dis. 2017;103:137-145. 2017. ↩︎
Storz JF. Hemoglobin: insights into protein structure, function, and evolution. Science. 2023;381(6653):34-35. 2023. ↩︎
Schelshorn J, et al. Adult α-globin: A novel marker for dopaminergic neurons. Neurodegener Dis. 2012;10(1-4):247-8. 2012. ↩︎
Wang Y, et al. Neuronal hemoglobin protects dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress. Cell Death Dis. 2021;12(11):1002. 2021. ↩︎
Ferrer I, et al. Brain hemoglobin and Alzheimer's disease pathology. J Neural Transm. 2020;127(5):619-630. 2020. ↩︎
Adam M, et al. Neuronal hemoglobin expression in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021;84:143-149. 2021. ↩︎
G mez-Casero E, et al. Hemoglobin expression in ALS motor neurons. Neurosci Lett. 2022;779:136644. 2022. ↩︎
Singer ST, et al. Neurologic complications in thalassemia. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016;1368(1):108-116. 2016. ↩︎
Fleming RE, et al. Hemoglobin-mediated oxidative stress protection. J Biol Chem. 2018;293(25):9620-9630. 2018. ↩︎