hba-1

Hemoglobin subunit alpha 1 (HBA1), also known as α2β2, is a hetero-tetramer consisting of two α and two β subunits held together by non-covalent interactions. Each subunit contains a heme group with an iron atom in the Fe2+ state. Cooperativity of Hemoglobin (Hb) in binding with O2 and allosteric regulatory binding properties with CO2, H+, Cl−, and 2,3-DPG (2,3-bisphosphoglycerate) are based on subunit interactions. HBA1 is the most common type of Hb in adult humans, which mediates the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. In recent years, Hb α and β chains have been found co-expressed in alveolar cells, mesangial cells of the kidney, retinal ganglion cells, hepatocytes and neurons. Endothelial and peripheral catecholaminergic cells express exclusively the α chain, while macrophages present the β chain only.