Scientists correct sickle cell disease in mice

[n2doc]

By Julie Steenhuysen
Posted 2011/10/13 at 2:31 pm EDT

CHICAGO, Oct. 13, 2011 (Reuters) — U.S. scientists have found a way to get mice with a form of sickle cell disease to make normal red blood cells, offering a potential new way to treat the blood disorder in people, they reported on Thursday.

Adults with sickle cell disease make mutant, sickle-shaped forms of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that is vital for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues.

These deformed cells block small blood vessels, causing pain, strokes, organ dysfunction and premature death.

But this problem occurs only after birth.

During development, a fetus uses one gene to make a fetal form of hemoglobin, but switches to another after birth, and problems with this adult gene are what lead to sickle cell disease.

more

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre79c5nv-us-sicklecell/

[MADem]

1. What a remarkable thing--US scientists have been doing some great things lately. NT

[DeSwiss]

2. K&R n/t

[LeftishBrit]

3. I hope this leads to a treatment for humans with the disease!