Research

          Since sickle cell anemia is not cured yet scientists are always researching about the disease to develop new ways to help people. New treatments that have been discovered are hydroxyurea (helping reduce the pain of the disease) and bone marrow transplants. Although bone marrow transplants are very complex and are risky, it is currently the only treatment for sickle cell anemia for now. Another treatment scientists are studying is gene therapy. The scientist’s goal is to one be able to stop the disease by changing or replacing the abnormal gene that causes sickle cell anemia.

          Scientists have learned is that sickle cell anemia may be caused by a genetic mutation that happened in malaria-prone regions (like Africa) thousands of years ago. It is thought that people with the sickle cell anemia trait may have been more likely to survive the malaria. Since they survived the malaria it is possible that it allowed the trait to be passed down through generations.

          Research has shown that we now know the gene that causes sickle cell anemia. The gene for sickle cell anemia is found on chromosome 11. The official gene symbol is HBB. HBB codes for the beta chain (found in adult hemoglobin), which is often referred to as beta globin. Abnormal beta globin is responsible for the sickling of red blood cells found in sickle cell anemia patients. Since the abnormal hemoglobin doesn’t carry sufficient oxygen to the red blood cells they become sickle shaped.