Biochemistry and Genetics of Sickle-Cell Anemia

Paper Summary:

Sickle cell anemia is a devastatingly painful and fatal disease that strikes those of African-American heritage at a disproportionate rate. After a brief discussion on the generalities of the disease, diagnostics, treatment and prognosis, this paper examines the biochemical and genetic influences of the disease and offers suggestions for further research efforts. Advances in biochemical knowledge and technology are taking research on sickle cell anemia to the next level; however, advances in genetics are even more remarkable. This paper highlights one of the most recent and promising genetic fixes for those afflicted and at risk for sickle cell anemia.

From the Paper:

"According to the National Human Genome Research Institute ("Learning About," 2005) sickle cell disease "is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States." The disease strikes 1:12 African Americans who are parented by two disease carriers who pass on a mutated hemoglobin-Beta gene found on chromosome 11 ("Learning About," 2005). Until recently, sickle cell disease was thought to be a death sentence with most victims not living beyond 20 years of age and the rest generally not living past the age of 50 (Taher & Kazzi, 2005). With new treatments, such as hydroxyurea, victims of the sickle cell genetic mutation are not living past 50 ("Learning About," 2005). After a brief disease profile that includes a discussion of disease pathology, biochemical and genetic influences, diagnostics, treatment and prognosis. Advances in biochemical knowledge and technology are taking research on sickle cell anemia to the next level;"

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