Embryonic hemoglobin

Embryonic hemoglobin is a tetramer produced in the blood islands in the embryonic yolk sac during the mesoblastic stage (first week of pregnancy until the end of the pregnancy). The protein is commonly referred to as Hemoglobin ε.

Chromosomal abnormalities can lead to a delay in switching from embryonic hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin Gower 1 (also referred to as ζ₂ε₂ or HbE Gower-1) is a form of hemoglobin existing only during embryonic life, and is the primary embryonic hemoglobin. It is composed of two zeta chains and two epsilon chains, and is relatively unstable, breaking down easily.

Hemoglobin Gower 2 (also referred to as α₂ε₂ or HbE Gower-2) is a form of hemoglobin existing at low levels during embryonic and fetal life. It is composed of two alpha chains and two epsilon chains, and is somewhat unstable, though not as much as hemoglobin Gower 1. Due to its relative stability compared to hemoglobin Gower 1 and hemoglobin S, it has been proposed as a subject for reactivation in the adult in cases of severe β thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies in subjects for which the reactivation of hemoglobin F is contraindicated due to toxicity concerns.

Hemoglobin Portland I (also referred to as ζ₂γ₂ or HbE Portland-1) is a form of hemoglobin existing at low levels during embryonic and fetal life, composed of two zeta chains and two gamma chains.

Hemoglobin Portland II (also referred to as ζ₂β₂ or HbE Portland-2) is a form of hemoglobin existing at low levels during embryonic and fetal life, composed of two zeta chains and two beta chains. It is quite unstable, more so than even hemoglobin Gower 1, and breaks down very rapidly under stress. Despite this, it has been proposed as a candidate for reactivation in cases of severe α thalassemia or hemoglobinopathies afflicting the alpha chain.

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