Hemoglobin Beta (HBb)

Beta globin (HBB, β-globin) is a protein that, along with alpha globin (HBA), makes up the most common form of hemoglobin in adult humans. The normal adult hemoglobin tetramer consists of two alpha chains and two beta chains.

The gene is located in the β-globin locus. Expression of beta globin and the neighboring globins in the β-globin locus is controlled by single locus control region (LCR). The order of the genes in the beta-globin cluster is 5' - epsilon – gamma-G – gamma-A – delta – beta - 3'. Mutant beta globin is responsible for the sickling of red blood cells seen in sickle cell anemia. Absence of beta chain causes beta-zero-thalassemia. Reduced amounts of detectable beta globin causes beta-plus-thalassemia.