Translation in Erythroid cells

Abstract

Erythrocytes are specialized cells that perform the crucial function of gas exchange in all vertebrates. Regulation of gene expression was believed to be absent in these cells due to the absence of nucleus. It was also assumed that ribosomes are removed during their maturation and hence they cannot synthesize proteins. But these cells perform various metabolic processes and require these enzymes to be replenished. The oxygen carrier, hemoglobin, also needs to be supplied constantly for these cells to carry out their function. This thesis provides evidence for low-level translation in human erythrocytes. The regulation of translation and its physiological significance is also explained. Methods to modulate translation using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are described. Lastly, the evolutionary significance of a-globin gene duplication in mammals in discussed.