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Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells
Published on: July 9, 2015
Hemoglobin allostery and pharmacology
Andrea Bellelli1, Jeremy R H Tame2
1Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Hemoglobin (Hb) oxygen affinity can be pharmacologically modulated to treat blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and enhance cancer radiotherapy. This review explores Hb pharmacology and its therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Hemoglobin (Hb) is crucial for oxygen transport, with its affinity modulated by intracellular effectors.
- Pathological conditions and external factors necessitate manipulation of Hb's oxygen-binding properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the pharmacology of hemoglobin.
- To explore the molecular basis and therapeutic applications of modulating Hb function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacological interventions targeting hemoglobin.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying Hb-effector interactions.
- Examination of clinical applications in various diseases.
Main Results:
- Drugs like voxelotor, bezafibrate, and efaproxiral can effectively alter Hb oxygen affinity.
- Hb manipulation shows promise in treating sickle cell anemia, thalassemias, and cyanide poisoning.
- Modulating Hb oxygenation may improve tumor sensitivity to radiotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological targeting of hemoglobin offers diverse therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding Hb's molecular pharmacology is key to developing novel treatments.
- Hb modulation has potential applications beyond hematological disorders.
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