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Gene affecting hemoglobin is identified

LONDON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- British scientists say they've identified a gene that has a significant effect on regulating hemoglobin in the body.

The achievement came during a genome-wide association study conducted by Imperial College London researchers who looked at the link between genes and hemoglobin level in 16,000 people. It shows a strong association between a gene known as TMPRSS6 and the regulation of hemoglobin.

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"This new finding is critical (because) understanding how hemoglobin levels are controlled at a genetic level has significant public health implications for people of all ages in developing and developed countries," said John Chambers, one of the lead authors of the study.

"Abnormally high or low levels are associated with a range of serious health problems, such as poor growth (low levels) and increased risk of stroke (high levels). Changes in hemoglobin levels can also affect our susceptibility to diseases like malaria, which infect the red blood cells" said Professor Jaspal Kooner, who led the investigation.

The researchers said their findings add to science's understanding of the multiple causes of problems with hemoglobin levels and could lead to new treatments for people suffering from chronic hemoglobin problems.

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The research appears in the journal Nature Genetics.

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