Haemoglobin switching in human embryos: asynchrony of ζ → α and ε → γ-globin switches in primitive and definitive erythropoietic lineage (original) (raw)

Nature volume 313, pages 235–238 (1985)Cite this article

Abstract

Haemoglobin switching in humans provides a unique model for investigating the mechanisms underlying expression of a develop-mentally regulated gene family. Numerous studies have focused on the switch from fetal to adult (that is, γ → β) globin1,2, but little is known about the embryonic → fetal (that is, ζ → α and ε → γ) switches, as well as the transition from ‘primitive’ yolk sac to ‘definitive’ liver erythropoiesis3–7. Here we have studied the embryonic→fetal haemoglobin switches in yolk sac, liver and circulating blood erythroblasts from 25 embryos and 6 fetuses. Globin synthesis was also evaluated in purified ‘primitive’ and ‘definitive’ erythroblasts. Primitive erythroblasts synthesize essentially ζ and ε chains at 5 weeks and _α_- and _ε_-globin with a minor aliquot of ζ and γ chains at 6–7 weeks, whereas definitive erythroblasts produce α and γ + _β_-globin at 6 weeks but only α and γ + β chains from 8 weeks onward. In both lineages the ζ → α and the ε → γ switches are asynchronous, the former preceding the latter. Furthermore, _ζ_- and _β_-globin synthesis is restricted to primitive and definitive erythroblasts respectively. These findings are discussed in terms of a monoclonal model for haemoglobin switching in early human ontogeny.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hematology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
    C. Peschle, F. Mavilio, A. Carè, G. Migliaccio, A. R. Migliaccio, G. Salvo, P. Samoggia, S. Petti, R. Guerriero & M. Marinucci
  2. Istituto Patologia Generale, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, 00100, Rome, Italy
    D. Lazzaro
  3. Istituto Patologia Medica VI, University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, 00100, Rome, Italy
    G. Mastroberardino
  4. Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale Generale di Avellino, 83100, Avellino, Italy
    G. Russo

Authors

  1. C. Peschle
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  2. F. Mavilio
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  3. A. Carè
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  4. G. Migliaccio
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  5. A. R. Migliaccio
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  6. G. Salvo
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  7. P. Samoggia
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  8. S. Petti
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  9. R. Guerriero
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  10. M. Marinucci
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  11. D. Lazzaro
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  12. G. Russo
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  13. G. Mastroberardino
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Peschle, C., Mavilio, F., Carè, A. et al. Haemoglobin switching in human embryos: asynchrony of ζ → α and ε → _γ_-globin switches in primitive and definitive erythropoietic lineage.Nature 313, 235–238 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/313235a0

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