Distinctive mutation spectrum of the HBB gene in an urban eastern Indian population

ABSTRACT Hemoglobinopathies such as β-thalassemia (β-thal) and sickle cell anemia (or Hb S [β6(A3)Glu→Val]) impose a major health burden in the Indian population. To determine the frequencies of the HBB gene mutations in eastern Indian populations and to compare with the available data, a comprehensive molecular analysis of the HBB gene was done in the normal Odisha State population. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) and DNA sequencing techniques, β-thal and sickle cell anemia mutations were characterized in 267 healthy individuals. Entire HBB gene sequencing showed 63 different mutations including 11 new ones. The predominant mutation HBB: c.9T > C was observed at a high frequency (19.57%) in the normal population. In the urban population of Odisha State, India, carrier frequency of hemoglobinopathies was found to be 18.48%, and for β-thal, the carrier rate was 14.13%, which is very high indeed. In the absence of a complete cure by any expensive treatment and drug administration, this information would be helpful for planning a population screening program and establishing prenatal diagnosis of β-thal in order to reduce the burden of such a genetic disease.