A Novel α2-Globin Gene Mutation: Hb Debao [α31(B12)Arg→Trp; HBA2: c.94A>T]

We report a novel mutation on the α2-globin gene, Hb Debao [α31(B12)Arg→Trp; HBA2: c.94A>T] detected in a Chinese family. This mutation gives rise to a previously undescribed hemoglobin (Hb) variant that was undetectable by electrophoretic or chromatographic methods. Hb Debao was associated with an α⁺-thalassemia (α⁺-thal) deletion [-α^3.7 (rightward)] producing a mild phenotype with significant microcytosis and hypochromia, while the combination of this mutation with an α⁰-thal deletion (--^SEA) resulting in a severe form of Hb H (β4) disease, which is consistent with a thalassemic phenotype associated with the novel mutation.