HBB (Hemoglobin Subunit Beta) encodes the beta-globin chain of hemoglobin, which pairs with alpha-globin to form the functional hemoglobin tetramer. Beyond its essential role in oxygen transport, HBB expression has been detected in the central nervous system, where neuronal hemoglobin may serve protective functions against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction[1].
The discovery of hemoglobin expression in neurons has opened new perspectives on brain oxygen handling and neuroprotection, with implications for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions[2].
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | HBB |
| Full Name | Hemoglobin Subunit Beta |
| Aliases | beta-globin, HBB1 |
| Chromosomal Location | 11p15.5 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 3043 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000244734 |
| UniProt ID | P68871 |
| Protein Name | Hemoglobin subunit beta |
HBB encodes the beta chain of hemoglobin A (HbA), the predominant hemoglobin in adults. The α2β2 tetramer[3]:
Neuronal hemoglobin (both α and β chains) may serve several functions[4]:
The discovery of neuronal hemoglobin expression revealed that[5]:
Mutations in HBB cause several disorders:
Hemoglobin involvement in AD[7]:
Neuronal hemoglobin in PD[8]:
Hemoglobin in ALS[9]:
In stroke and cerebrovascular disease[10]:
Neuronal hemoglobin may provide protection through[11]:
Hemoglobin may support mitochondrial function:
During hypoxic/ischemic stress:
Hemoglobin beta chain interacts with:
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, et al. The role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport. Science. 2023;381(6653):34-35. 2023. ↩︎
Wang Y, et al. Neuronal hemoglobin protects dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress. Cell Death Dis. 2021;12(11):1002. 2021. ↩︎
Schelshorn J, et al. Adult α-globin: A novel marker for dopaminergic neurons. Neurodegener Dis. 2012;10(1-4):247-8. 2012. ↩︎
Adam M, et al. Neuronal hemoglobin expression in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. 2021;84:143-149. 2021. ↩︎
Ferrer I, et al. Brain hemoglobin and Alzheimer's disease pathology. J Neural Transm. 2020;127(5):619-630. 2020. ↩︎
Schuepbach WM, et al. Hemoglobin expression in substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 2018;33(7):1167-1174. 2018. ↩︎
G mez-Casero E, et al. Hemoglobin expression in ALS motor neurons. Neurosci Lett. 2022;779:136644. 2022. ↩︎
Chen-Roetling J, et al. Hemoglobin neurotoxicity in stroke. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2019;39(6):1059-1072. 2019. ↩︎
Fleming RE, et al. Hemoglobin-mediated oxidative stress protection. J Biol Chem. 2018;293(25):9620-9630. 2018. ↩︎